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COLLECTIONS

ON THE SHIRES OF

ABERDEEN AND BANFF.

ABERDEEN : PRINTEB AT THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICE,
BY WILLIAM BENNETT.

V
COLLECTIONS

FOR

A HISTORY OF THE SHIRES

ABERDEEN

AND

BANFF.

ABERDEEN :

PRINTED FOR THE SPALDING CLUB.

M DCCC XLIII.

^<ilin?.^y

PRESENTED

THE SPALDING CLUB

THE EARL OF ABERDEEN.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

I'AGE

The Editor's Preface ix

Map of the shires of Aberdeen, Banff, and The Mearns,

BY Robert Gordon of Straloch. (mdcliv.) xiii

I. Praefecturarum Aberdonensis et Banfiensis in Scotia

Ultra - Montana Nova Descriptio, Auctore Ro-
berto GORDONIO. (MDCLI. M DC LX.) 1

II. Description of Aberdeenshire, by Sir Samuel Forbes

OF FoVERAN. (MDCCXVI. M DCC XVII.) 31

III. A View of the Diocese of Aberdeen, (mdccxxxil) 67

5^"^^ Q''r>qK

'S^ ^c^m

e^Mjr.

THE EDITOR'S PREFACE.

OWEVER crude or unsatisfying the contents of the
:~ ' following sheets may appear to those who are accus-
^ C V fffii 'otn^d to the more copious and elaborate " County
Histories" of England, so much has a useful and
not unpleasing field of literature been neglected in
the northern part of the island, that, perhaps, the
present is the most extensive collection of materials
which has yet issued from the press to illustrate the
antiquities and topography of any Scotish shire.

The Description of the Sheriffdoms of Aberdeen and Banff, by
Robert Gordon of Straloch, which occupies the first place in the volume,
was prepared by that amiable and accomplished scholar, to accompany a Map of
the counties, which he contributed to Blaeu's Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. The
fifth part of that work, containing the Atlas of Scotland, was published at Amster-
dam in the year m.dc.liv. ; but in this edition Straloch's Description did not
appear. The publisher has been charged with intentionally omitting it ; ' but the
probability seems to be, rather, that it did not reach him until after the book had
left his press. In the second edition, which was published in the year m.dc.lxii.,
the Description was inserted at length ; and from this source it is now reprinted,
opportunity having been taken to amend a few manifest faults, as well as to correct
a more numerous class of errors, in the names of places, which it was scarcely
possible for a foreign printer altogether to avoid. One or two defects, also, have
been supplied by reference to fragments of the Description, in the author's hand-
writing, extant in a volume which was at one time the property of the well-known
antiquary Sir Robert Sibbald, and is now preserved in the Library of the Faculty
of Advocates at Edinburgh. 2

Archbishop Nicolson's Scottish Historical Library, p. 18. Lond, 1702.
2 MSS. Bibl. Adv. 34. 2. 8. (W. 2. 20.)

X PREFACE.

The same noble repository contains an interesting volume of geographical
drawings by the laird of Straloch, and by his son, James Gordon, parson of Ro-
thiemay ; and from a collation of these with the more elaborate, but occa-
sionally less exact, engraving in Blaeu's Atlas Scotiae, the Map of the Shires
OF Aberdeen, Banff, and The Mearns, has been constructed for the present
work.

It might have been expected that of Straloch's many contributions to the topo-
graphy of Scotland, those which his filial regard designed for the illustration of his
native province, would be not the least valuable ; and they seem, indeed, to bear
traces of more than common care. His Map, after the lapse of nearly two cen-
turies, still presents, in sevei'al respects, the most instructive delineation which
has appeared of the north-eastern district of Scotland ; and, certainly, no more
recent account has surpassed, either in point of accuracy or of interest, his
DEScRrPTio Praefecturarum Aberdonensis et Banfiensis.

The imperfect Description of Aberdeenshire, to which the second place in
the volume has been assigned, is printed from a copy, made under the care of Sir
Henry Ellis, of a manuscript in the British Museum.' In Ayscough's Catalogue
of the national collection, this fragment is attributed, on what authority does not
appear, to " the reverend Patrick Forbes ;" but, by means of a quotation preserved
by Mr. James Man, in his " Memoirs of Scotish Affairs," published in the year
M.DCc.XLi.,^ we are enabled to identify the work in the Museum, with a " MS.
Description of Aberdeenshire, by Sir Samuel Forbes of Foveran," of which se-
veral copies appear to have been known, as well in the county as elsewhere,* dur-
ing the last century.

This gentleman, descended of the ancient family of Forbes of Tolquhon, *
was born at Edinburgh, in the summer of the year m.dc.liii. He inherited the
barony of Foveran from his father. In the year m.dcc, he was created a knight
baronet ; and he died on the sixteenth of July, m.dcc.xvii., leaving a son, Alex-
ander, who succeeded him in the title, and died about the year M.DCc.Lviii.

The Description of Aberdeenshire affords sufficient evidence in itself^ that
it was not written before the close of the eventful year m.dcc.xv. ; and, as the

1 MSS. Sloane. no. 4215. art. 8. in Brit. Mus.

2 Reprinted in Gordon's History of Scots Affairs, from M.Dc.xxxvii. to .m.dc.xli., vol. i., appendix to
the preface, no. i. Aberdeen, 1841. Printed for the Spalding Club. Conf. p. xxi. note * of that reprint,
with pp. 39 — 41 of the present volume.

3 Cough's British Topography, vol. ii., p. 642. Lend. 1780 ; Bibliotheca Topographica Britannica, vol. v.
no. iv. pref. Lond. 1790.

4 Genealogy of the Family of Forbes, p. 67. Inverness, 1819.
b See below, pp. 39, 40, 369, 371.

PREFACE. XI

author died within eighteen months of that pei'iod, we may, perhaps, safel}' enough,
conjecture that he left his work in the same imperfect state in which it has reached
us. It would appear, indeed, from the manuscript in the British Museum, ' that
he had abruptly broken away from the labour of describing the county generally,
to enter on the more congenial task of expatiating on the history of his own parish
of Foveran, and of recording the multitudinous devices with which his pedantry
had adorned his mansion house of Tilliery.

The View of the Diocese of Aberdeen, which takes the last place in the
volume, is printed from a manuscript in the Library of the Faculty of Advocates
at Edinburgh. ^ This is the only copy of the work now known to exist, although
another was extant about the middle of the last century, among the manuscripts
in the library of the Earl of Errol, at Slaines Castle, and although traces of other
transcripts have been found, much more recently, in different quarters of the diocese.

Of the writer nothing is known beyond what may be conjectured, as to iiis
name, from a note on one of the boards of the volume : " Ah Keith fin' liaec
Mss. Nov^ 25. 1732 " ; and beyond what may be gathered, as to his calling, from
the work itself. A perusal of its pages will leave no room for doubt that its
author was a zealous presbyter of the Episcopal Church of Scotland ; and the
persecutions which afflicted that communion, in his day, and during many follow-
ing years, as they maj- help to explain more than an occasional acerbity of ex-
pression, or peculiarity of phrase, into which he has been betrayed, so, perhaps,
they may sufficiently account for the complete oblivion which has fallen upon the
learned and industrious compiler.

His work obviously has never been completed : it often presents, indeed, in
the shape in which we find it, less of the appearance of a continuous narrative
than of a series of tables of rough and disjointed notes, so that, in order to exhibit
its text in a manner that might be generally intelligible, there has been found
frequent necessity, while scrupulously preserving the substance, to use a little
freedom with the form and arrangement of the manuscript.

The writer seems not only to have been diligent and painstaking in his en-
quiries after such information as was to be looked for on the spot, but to have pos-
sessed no mean knowledge of Scotish antiquities in general, according to the
defective measure of his time; and his work, on the whole, must be admitted to
be a creditable performance, if but due allowance be made for the unfinished state
in which it was left, and if we duly bear in mind that the author's object was to

1 In the MS. in the British Museum, the " Description of Aberdeenshire " is imraediatelf followed by the
** Description of the Parish of Foveran," which appears at pp. 367—371 of this volume.

2 MSS. Bibl. Adv. 31. 2. 12. (Jae. V. 6. 24.)

XU PREFACE.

exhibit not so much the civil as the ecclesiastical history and condition of the
province.

It appeared to the Editor, from the manifest imperfections and somewhat loose
arrangement of the View of the Diocese of Aberdeen, that he might venture
freely to introduce, in appropriate places throughout its text, such illustrative do-
cuments as he had been able to collect from other sources. These pieces justifi-
cafives, (together with the annotations by which he fears he may have too fre-
quently cumbered the volume,) he has been careful to distinguish from the work
which they are designed to illustrate, by printing them within brackets, and
in a smaller type, subjoining such brief notes as will, it is believed, in
every instance, serve sufficiently to indicate their nature, as well as the places
where they are deposited. One large class of them, it will be seen, has been de-
rived from the charter rooms of noble or ancient families within the limits of the
two counties. The " Topographical Collections" of the indefatigable laird of Mac-
farlane, preserved in the Library of the Faculty of Advocates at Edinburgh, have
supplied a second class ; and a third has been furnished from the same library,
by the collections of charters made by Sir James Balfour and the first Earl of
Hadington, and by the registers of the great Benedictine monasteries of Saint
Mary, at Kelso, and of Saint Thomas the Martyr, at Arbroath.

It has been deemed allowable, in most instances, so far to abbreviate the char-
ters, and other deeds of record, to which insertion has been given, as to omit from
them words or clauses of merely common form, or technical import. This is a
liberty which the Editor trusts will scarcely require an apology : he fears that the
fragmentary aspect which his method of abbreviation has imposed on so many
of the documents, will be less readily forgiven. The plan which has been followed
was not, however, adopted without due consideration : its advantages, on the
whole, appeared to outweigh its obvious defects, and it was, besides, recommended
by ancient precedent, as in the instance of the earlier rolls of the Register of the
Great Seal of Scotland.

In printing a volume of such extent, and so abundant in names of places and
persons, many faults, doubtless, will be found. Against some such errors, per-
haps, no care or skill on the part of an Editor could wholly provide ; and,
probably, they who have most reason to know the difficulties which beset a work
like this, will not be the least ready to excuse the imperfections which may be
discovered in its execution.

JOSEPH ROBERTSON.

Glasgow,
XXII. November, m.dccc.xliii.

PRAEFECTURARUM
ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS

IN SCOTIA ULTRA-MONTANA

NOVA DESCRIPTIO,

AUCTORE ROBERTO GORDONIO.

PRAEFECTURARUM

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS

NOVA DESCRIPTIO.

A|3'

^^^^^^'2^UAE hae praefecturae Grampios luoutes et Deam Limites
M\ fluvium, a meridie, limites habent ; ab occasu, Speae
fluminis partem iiiferiorem, post emensam cursu
suo Badenocham : ad boream, termiBantur sinu
Ptolomeo Varar, (hodie Murra fyrth,) dicto ;
caetera aperto oceano pulsantur. Proximae iis
provinciae, Mernia (Mernis) et nonnulla Angusiae
pars, imo etiam superiora Atholiae ; omnia haec ad meridiem: ad
occasum, Badenocba, et uonnuUa Moraviae pars ; caetera-, ut dixi,
mari ciucta.

Coelum, in assuetis et calidiore aere natis, frigidiusculum ; tern- ^^>
peratum, tamen, et sahibre. Aestates, nonnimquam, imbribus spem
messis retardant, non fallunt : hyemes, supra fidem climatis, mites ;
quod, exteris hue advectis, Danis, Prussis, Polonis, mirum, cum
apud eos terra, totam hyemem, pei-petuis nivibus, rigido gelu con-
creta et abdita, lateat.

Nullus hie hypocaustorum usus ; luculenter satis instruuntur foci Fumes.
eifossa gleba nigra, bituminosa, non ilia levi et fungosa, sed gravi et
solida, quae ad ventos et solem siccatur : non autem ex fluminum
alveis, aut paludilnis, (ut apud Belgas depromitiir,) sed passim in
superficie telluris, cespite detecto, se prodit : cujus haec causa et

4 PRAEFECTURAE

origo. Cum, ante aliquot secula, omnia hie silvis inhorrescerent,
magno agriculturae impedimento, desectis iis, aut aevo putrescenti-
bus, supercrevit muscus, udis potissimum et depressis locis : muscus
hie, primum levis et fungosus, at novo singulis annis accrescente
auctus, induruit ; et in terram nigram, solidam, pinguem abiit, non il-
1am, sane, aratris utilem nisi combustani ; turn, enim, cineribus miruni
in modum luxuriant segetes : post unum, vero, aut alternm annum
renovantur cineres, et nova ustio necesse est. Has terras agricolae
avide appetunt, hoc compendio laetaminis allecti. Tellus ipsa, ad
octo, aut duodecim nonnunquam, altitudinis pedes, hoc corio vesti-
tur ; quae detecta aperit ingentes arborum truncos, radicibus desec-
tos, aut aevo putres, saepe iguibus evictos. In regionibus inferioribus

Arhmes. adusque ipsa littora, robora et quercus, alni, salices, coryli prae-
pollebant ; in montanis, abies, pinaster, picea, (quae etiam hodie, ut
plurimum, durant) frequentiores ; betula, vero, utrisque communis.
Sed haec tanta copia, jam in inferioribus locis, ubi tellus agricul-
turae aptior, ad inopiam transiit ; unde materies ad aedificia, ut
plurimum, e vicina Norvegia, mari advehitur : ad rem rusticam satis
est domi. Silvarum vero domesticarum quod superest, vectura
difficilis ex locis aviis, itineribus asperis.

Solum. Ingenium soli varium, ubi longius mari abest, montibus attollitur,

inferiora collibus distincta, qui fluviis aut rivis irrigantur. Ubi
evariet tellus in sequentibus narrabitur ; at generaliter, non infoe-
cunda, quae humanus usus postulat, si diligentia adhibeatur, cum
foenore reddit. Triticum, secala, hordeura, avena, abundanter ba-
bentur ; pisa, fabae, ex leguminibus : caetera negliguntur, cum tamen
non deessent adhibita cultura. Stirpes, herbae, plantae, ad usus
medicos, in hortis, campis, montibus, non desunt ; peregrinis, etiam,
(vel semine vel plantis advectis,) tellus hospita, quod quotidianis
curiosorum experimentis compertum habemus ; adeo, ut si quid
desit aut adsit, totum hoc incolarura socordiae aut industriae de-
beatur.

In superioribus et montanis tractibus, pastui, (quae vita otiosior,)
iudulgetur ; at, iu inferioribus, ubi solum mitius, uberes campi, coUes

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS. 5

fruufiferi, totos se agriculturae dedunt : hoc unicuni ruris studium,
nulli loco parcitur ubi segetis spes, aut aratris commoditas; nou
prata, non pascua, aviditatem banc effugiunt. Foeni segnis cura ;
quern defectum, stramine avcnaceo et bordeaceo, quibus deleetantur
et ahintur domestica animalia, byeme tectis conclusa, sarciri ex-
periuntur.

Mare semper apertum et navigationi oppoiiunum, nisi tempes- Mare.
tates impediant ; quibus, non solum nostrum hoc, sed omnia maria
obnoxia sunt : egregie itidem piscosum ; sed homines e faece vulgi,
qui buic vitae sese addixerunt, illud ad quotidianos usus, non ad
lucrum ex negotiatione parandum, exercent : unde exteri, (prae-
sertim Belgae,) dum quotidie, inspectantibus nobis, ex halecum
aliorumque piscium captura magnum quaestum faciunt, illis, quibus
hoc studii esse debet, ignaviam exprobare videntur. Quamvis,
autem, littora haec syrtibus, pulvinis, vadis, libera, et arenaceo
fundo, anchoris apta sint ; importuosa, tamen, et paucis portubus,
(quorum postea erit meminisse,) navibus, praesertim majoribus,
pervia.

Flumina, mirum in modum, piscibus foeta, potissimum salmon- Snimones.
ibus ; quibus naves aliquot quotannis oneratae, aliisque quae regio
feii; mercibus, referunt quae domi non sint, aut si superabundaverint
merces, redit pecunia. Huic piscaturae tanto studio opera impen-
ditur, quanta socordia oceani opes negliguntur.

Si incolarum ingenia spectentur, cum his locis debeam natales, incolae.
modeste dicendum est, et in hac parte, ut etiam ubique, veritati
litandum est : attamen, ne quid supra veritatem dicam, qui haec
loca apprime norunt, fatebuntur incolas mitioribus ingeniis, subacto
judicio, cultui'a animi morumque, vicinis omnibus, maxime vero qua
regnum hoc bine in septentriones et occasum vergit, praepoUere.
Debetur hoc, partim, peregrinationibus apud exteros, et Athenaeo
Aberdonensi, quo undique quam multi confluunt ; e montanis pro-
vinciis, ad nativam feritatem deponendam ; alii, ut rudimenta pietatis
et scientiarum altiora suscipiant, et se pares, vel publicis vel pri-
vatis negotiis, postea praestent. Si humiliorem sortem et vulgus

PRAEFECTURAE

Lnpi.

spectes, agricultiinie aut meclianicis artibus, quas vix feliciter
exercent, se dedunt ; nonnulli, tamen, emergunt. At pars melioris
notae, aut natalibus clari, cives etiam et oppidani, a pi'imis annis,
literis exercentur ; adultis, peregrina cordi est educatio. Negotiatio
urbanis relinquitur : meliores, (magno suo malo,) id vitae genus, ut
natalibus suis irapar, dedignantur ; unde inopia multis ; cui levandae,
ad tractanda arraa se accingunt, quae, multis locis apud exteros,
Belgas praesertim, Germanos et Gallos, semper amicam et illis
adaniatam gentem, a multis annis, cum laude, exercuerunt ; ingeniis,
enim, acribus, et fervidis, sive Musis sive Marti se mancipent, non
leviter profieiunt. Qiiibus aetas deferbuit, domi otium, in villis et
praediis suis agitantes, urbanam ritam rusticae posthabeut ; oppida,
nisi negotiis invitantibus, raro visentes : sed neque mercatores et
neffotiatores iirbani banc desidiae notam eflFugiunt ; borum quam
plurimi, aucto censu, reliquam vitam domi segnes transigunt. Ma-
joribus nostris parsimonia in Yirtutibus habebatur ; hodie, commerciis
peregrinis alii mores inbibiti, ebrietas, commessationes, luxus ; quae
multis pauperiem fecere, nee tamen absistitur.

Fluniina diversi generis piscibus luxuriant ; varietas, tamen, copiae
cedit ; inuumera truttarum examina supra caeteros : haruni sex dis-
tinctae babentur species, omnes sapidissimae et palato gratae, et,
cum saxatiles sint, non negantur aegrotis ; non, enim, nisi puras et
limpidas aquas habitant : nullus rivus qui non bis scateat. Flu-
mina baec postea dicenda, conchas margaritiferas alunt, unde
quandoque uniones pretio digni habentur ; conchae hae limoso
fundo inveniuntur : expiscandi ars vilioribus relinquitur, qui, artis
ignari, saepe inanes redeunt.

Non desunt volatilium varia genera, sive aquis sive montibus de-
lectentur, unde aucupii frequentis occasio : est ferina venatio cer-
vorum et damarum, sed nemorum, silvarum et montium propria;
leporum ubique est, et plus satis vulpium.

Noxia, et gregibus infesta, animalia absunt ; lupi, enim, jam
tautum non interiisse creduntur, aut, si qui sint, procul a mitiori-
bus plagis et hominum cultu absunt. Serpentum unicum genus,

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS. 7

saxosis montibus, aut muscosis ericetis, abditum, unde ab illis
parura periculi : bufo varus, neque, quod sciam, aliud venenatum
reperitur.

Habentur, diversis locis, lapidis arenacei veuae ; eaeque mul- Lapides
torum generum, qui politi et artitici manu in varias formas secti,
marmoris defectum supplent, aedificiis decoram venustatem
addunt. Lapidis calcarii tanta copia, ut, nonnullis locis, ad laetan-
dos agros efFoetos adhibeatur. Sunt lapidum molarium diversa
genera ; et lapidum fossilium, ad tegulas et tectorum imbrices,
satis est.

Nequeo mibi temperare quin describam lapilli genus, his locis LapHU s
quasi peculiare, nulli scriptori bactenus aguitum aut memoratum ; ?«^«'"««-
quod miror, quomodo Boetbii uostri diligentiam effugerit, qui hie
maximam aetatis partem egit et fato functus est, in talibus saepe
nimius. Lapillus hie neque pretiosus neque pellucidus, materia huic
durissima et fragillima silex, cujus hie plus satis est; lapilli hi
artem referunt, sed qualem, ex tarn fragili materia, nemo artifex
assequatur : duabus formis reperiuntur, una, bamato telo persimili in
tria distincta capita desinens, trigona ligura ; altera species, vena-
buli ferrum plane refert : omnes magnitudine sicut et colore varia,
silicem unde sunt imitantes : longitudo, duum aut unius aut dimi-
diati pollicis, crassities ad unius aut duorum frumenti granorum,
accedit : totus asper, impolitus, manent tanquam ferramentorum
vestigia quae laevigari desiderent ; at latere omnia acuta. Solo
hoc, lapilli hi mirandi, quod casu aliquando in agris, in publicis
tritisque viis reperiantur, nunquam autem vestigando inveniantur;
hodie, fortasse, reperias ubi heri nihil, item, a meridie, ubi, horis an-
temeridianis, omnia vacua ; et haec, ut plurimum, sudo coelo, aestivis
diebus. Retulit mihi vir probus et fide dignus, sibi equo iter
agenti, in summa ocrea unum repertum ; idem contigisse scio
faeminae equo vectae, quae unum e sinu vestis depromisit. Hos
Tulgus, patrio sermone, ( Elf-arroiv-heads ) vocant ; si latine inter- Elf-arrow
preteris, ferreas sagittarum cuspides, quibus Lamiae sagittant, sonat : '*'^*'^^-
Faunos, enim, Lamiasque, et id genus spirituum, Elfs nominant ; de

PRAEFECTURAE

his, harumque apud hos sagittandi usu, ea fabulantiir, multique
credunt, quae chartis dare ineptum esset. Formas et magnitudines
curavi adjiciendas : sed de his plus satis.

Paganismi

Lapides
stantes.

Lapidum
cumuli.

Manent adhuc paganismi vestigia, non in animis hominum, sed
in locis cultui dicatis : visuntur septa ingentium saxorum, in orbem
disposita; unum, intra orbem, latitudine prae ceteris conspicuum,
austro obversum, arae locum praebuisse videtur : saxa haec, diflBcili
vectura, saepe e longiuquo, petita. Sunt, nonnuUis in coUibus, etiam
in montium fastigiis, immensi lapidum minorum cumuli, ante Chris-
tiauismum procerum tumulis dicati ; nam, disjectis et erutis, ossa
inveniuntur, et quibusdam honor nominis adhuc manet. Sunt etiam

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS. 9

diversis locis lapides aut saxa erecta, longitudine et magnitudine Lapides
insignia ; horum nonnulla, flguris inscriptis, at nullis literis, ere- '^nscrLti
duntur victoriarum aut cladium monumenta, quarum memoria
intercidit.

Nundinae frequentes et eelebres, aperiente se anno donee bru- Nundinae.
males dies (hie breviores) prohibeant, totis bisce regionibiis agi-
tantur; nulla fere parocbialis eeclesia, quae suas non habeat,
pleraeque plures, quae referre otiosi est.

Jam ad situm singulorum districtuum properanti moram facit, Dignitatem.
quod in iis describendis non raro baronum parlamentariornm memi-
nevim ; quae vox cum adbuc novitia sit, quid mihi ea significet di-
cendum. Dignitatum et hononim gradus qui hodie in usu, Romanis
seculis incogniti, hue me impulerunt : sic igitur babe. Antiquissi-
ma et nobilissima apud nos dignitas, (etiam suscepto Christianismo,)
Ab-thanorum et Thanorum nomine habebatur ; jam a multis se-
culis dignitas ilia evanuit, manet vox et nomen, multis praediis id
referentibus. Primus Malcolmus, cui Canmoir agnomen, circa an-
num salutis MLvi. depulso a gubernaculis regni Mac-Betho tyranno,
comitum nomen et dignitatem e vicina Anglia invexit; tumque
supremus regni senatus diversis ordinibus distinctus est, quibus
omnibus Rex praesidebat : huic senatui, intercedente illo, rerum
agendarum nullum jus ; annuente vero, leges figebantur aut refige-
bautur. Ante haec postrema tempora constabat hie senatus his
ordinibus : duces, si qui essent, (non rare autem nulli erant) ; mar-
chiones ; comites ; vicecomites ; et barones, quos parlamentarios Barwies par-
voco, (consessui enim huic parUamento nomen.) unum ordinem ex- ''""™'«''"-
plebant : ex his marchiones et vicecomites nuperi admodum apud
nos ; comitum, qui patria voce (earls), et baronum parlamentariornm,
qui (lords) dicuntur, prae caeteris antiquior dignitas. Barones, vero, Barones son-
simpliciter sic dicti, cum reliqua nobilitate, quorum ingens numerus, j^'?'^ *'^
et robur, quibus sane revera regni vires constant, per delectos e
suis, alteram ordinem constituebant, id autem ad vitandam turbam
factum ; hunc ordinem Jacobus Rex, (nostra memoria,) aut desuetum
rcvocavit, aut novum caeteris, (perspecta necessitate,) addidit.

PRAEFECTURAE

Episcopi.

Equites.

Pngi.

Episcopi itidem, (dum adhuc essent,) et superioribus temporibus
caeteri praesules, quos praelatos vocabant, justum et plenum se-
natum explebant ; hi propter sacrarum rerum reverentiam primi
censebantur. Equestris autem bonos, apud majores nostros, magni
habitus, nee nisi justa de causa etiam honoratissimis collatus, vir-
tutis militaris praemium erat ; at nunc, alia rerum facie, postquam
ad fora, ad urbes descendit, a melioribus neglecta eviluit ; maxima
autem non ita pridem, cum emendicato a nimis facili ad haec
principe, honos hie baereditarius factus, venalis omnibus patuit.
Armigerum ordo, qui in vicina nobis Anglia frequens, nobis incog-
nitus et negleetus est.

Hie, etiam, admonitum lectorem meum cupio, cum paucis pagis
totum regnum nostrum quaqua patet, ut plurimum habitetur, non
inde infrequentiam incolarum aestimandam : eujus rei causa haec
est. Coloni, agriculturae studiosi jam ab initio, videbantur sibi pagis
arctari, neque in tanta vieinia, rei rustieae satis prospectum : pri-
mum, enim, in pages divisae regiones erant ; horum singulis, tantum
arabilis soli tributum, quantum quatuor aratris singulis annis pros-
cindi posset. Hae terrarum sectiones, prisca lingua, (Daachs,) voca-
bantur ; manent adhuc. in superioribus regionibus, et agnoscuntur
termini, quanquam divisis sedibus : at, desectis silvis, non jam qua-
tuor aratra sufficiebant, finium laxitas agriculturae nocebat, unde
domini, divisis agris singulis, ad faeultatum rationem terminos po-
suerant, sic ut continuae non eontiguae sedes essent. Memini me,
primis meis annis, hujus rei exempla vidisse. Statim, desertis pagis,
singuli in sua demigrarunt ; ubi vena aliqua uberioris soli invitaret,
hie lares fixi, hodieque sic manet. Sed jam singula lustremus.

Praefecturae hae, varias provineias et tractus, sub se continent,
nominibus et limitibus suis, ut plurimum, distinetos : ratio nominum
multorum vix reddi potest ; quorundam non ita. Strath, etenim,
quae nonnullis praefigitur, vallem aut tractum ad flurainis decur-
sum, montibus septum, prisco sermone denotat. Inner vel Abyr con-
fluentiam fluminum, vel eorundem ad mare ostia, notat : at multa
sunt quae vestigare inanis operae est. Prisci incolae Ptolomaeo

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS. 11

Toezali,' et extimum promontorium ad ortum, (illi Taezalum pro-
montorium,^) dicitur hodie Buchan-ness, ness promontorium sig-
nificante.

STRATH-AVINIA, (STRATH-DOWN.)

Regiuncula haec tota mediterranea, Marchionis Huntilaei avi-
tum patrimonium, ad decursum Avinii amnis jacet, qiiem omnium
regni hujus limpidissimum et purissimarum aquarum esse retulit
mihi Timotbeus Pont, qui universa haec lustraverat. Sed nulla
inde nota laudati soli, etenim macer admodum, parca segete et
nonnullis annis vix maturescente ; unde incolis maxima semper
in pastu spes, quae nunquam fallit.

Avinius fluvius, (Awen,) ex asperrimi et semper fere nivalis Avinim
montis Bin-Awen jugis, e lacu exiguo, profluens, post aliquot ■fi"'""'-
passuum millia fluviolum Bulg, e lacu ejusdem nominis, a dextris Buij jiuvio-
suscipit ; dein per confragosam vallem, torrentis ad modum praecipi- "*'
tatus, multos undique trahens rivulos, ad infimum vallis Liffetum Liffetus flu-
fluvium a dextris accipit, multis item rivulis comitatum, et toto """'
cursu, nisi ad principia, in arctum tendens, ad Bal-na-dallach Bal-na-dai-
arcem, quae Strath-Aviniae non accensetur, Speae amni miscetur. ''"^^'

Ad confluentes Avinii et Liffeti sunt parietinae antiquae arcis
Drimmin ; supra, ad Liifetum, sita est Blair-findie ; caetera tenent "Sr""^'";.
casae rusticanae per totas valles has sparsae ; et, quanquam aspe-
ritas montium prohihere videatur, non infrequenter tamen habitatur
a confluentibus Bulg fluvioli.

BALVANIA, (BALVANIE VEL MORTH-LICH.)

Balvania sequitur, mitioris aliquantum soli, tota tamen mon- Solum.
tibus horrens; a Danis, qui etiam haec loca appetiverunt, nomen Nomen.

1 [Te|«X.,.] 2 [T«,^aX.i.«.j,y.]

PRAEFECTURAE

Fiddich.

Rinnes [hodie
Duillan].

Yla.

Kinninnoway

Newtoun.

Mor-lullic/i.

Achlunhart.
Cotimn vena.

Aquae alu-
minosae.

sortita, adeo nihil hie ab iis non tentatum : Bal villam aut pagum
significat, cui Van, pro Da7i, levi literarum metathesi, adjecta est ;
haec autem literarum mutatio, priscae linguae familiaris, elegan-
tia sermouis hahetur.

Tractum hunc secat Fiddich fluvius limpidus et amoenus, qui
suscepto Rinnes fluviolo, multisque aliis ignobilibus rivis, ut in
montosa regione par est, in Spaeam se fundit. Ad hunc tractum
pertinent fontes Ylae fluvii, a quo proximo dicenda regiuncula
nomen habet. Caeterum, Fiddichi fontes non sunt hujus agri ;
tractus iUe Glen-fiddich dictus, cum arce Achindown, huic in sacris
aduexus est, at jurisdictio Marchionum Huntilaei est : totus ne-
morosus et gramine laetus. Ad Fiddichi ripas est Bal-vanie, unde
tractui nomen ; inferius est Kinninnoway, nee inde longe Neiototm:
ad Rinnes, vero, Mor-tullich ecclesia, unde frequenter regioni
nomen, prima, ante aliquot secula, et antiquissima episcoporum
Aberdonensium sedes. Ad Achlunkart, villam hand longe a via
regia qua in Moravian! itur, rupes est et vena nobilium eotium,
quarum quaedam asperae, aliae lenes, hae durae, illae molles, aqua
aut oleo aeiem trahentes, tantum autem copia ut totae Britanniae
sufficere possint : his, tegularum vice, ad tecta aedificiorum, vicini
utuntur. Ad Balvaniara, autem, scaturigines sunt aquae aluminosae,
et, intra terram, lapidis, unde alumen excoquitur, venae.

Ditio haec jam inde a Jacobo Rege, secundo ejus nominis, hoc
est, ab anno mccccxl. ad Comites Atholiae, Stuartos, spectavit, qui
fratrem uterinum hac donavit ; qua stirpe deficiente, earn, pacta
pecunia, sibi asseruere Barones Parlamentarii de Saltoun ; ab illis
eodem jure ad Innesiorum familiam transiit : nunc earn Rothesiae
Comes tenet.

STRATH-YLA.

Yla fluvius. XJbi jam montes deficere incipiunt. Strath-Yla, ad ripas ejus fluvii,
porrigitur, qui sinuosis flexibus primum ad ortum, mox ad boream

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS. 13

conversus, iterum ad ortum aestiviim Dovernum fliivium, pauluni
supra Rothimayam arcera, subit.

Districtus hie, feraci solo, segete et gramine laetus, multiim juvante Solum.
lapide calcario, cujus tanta hie eopia, ut tota aedificia hoc lapide Lapis cal-
constent. Hie ealci exeoquendae, turn ad sues usus, turn ut emp- p^^^
toribus parata sit, uou segnis opera impenditur: telis etiam lineis, Tetae imeae.
tenuioris fili, reui faciuut, quae, tamen, in nundinis a Strath-Bogia
nomen habent : ex bobus ad macellum saginatis, quaestum faciunt. "^aii^"''''

Keath, vieus ad fluuieu, state raercatu singulis septimanis, loci Keat/i.
opportunitate, frequentiam hominuni, potissimum e superioribus re-
gionibus, hue allieit.

Plerique nobiles inferioris notae hie aedes sedesque habent ; vix
ullae, tamen, arces, tota in varies dominos partita.

Hanc a Strathbogia, juga excelsa Ballach montis, ab Ainia Baiiach.
tractus humilium collium, qui Altmorc dicuntur, dividunt. Altmore.

AINIA, (AIN-YEE.)

Regiuncula haec ab occasu Spaeani fiuvium, ad boreani sinuni Limites.
oceani jam mihi dictum, ad ortum Boenam regionem limites habet ;
meridionalia contingunt Strath-Ylam.

Tota haec Cereri dicata, frugibus opima, nunquam coloni speni Soli ubertas.
fallit, gramine tamen parca ; et, quanquam Moravia, divite solo, miti
coelo, frugibus et fructibus, supra omues cis Deani flumen provin-
cias palmam ferat, Ainia tamen frugibus par, fructibus hortensibus
inferior, incolarum vitio potius quam terrae genio : mare piscosum.
Hie, deficiente calce, agri oceano vicini alga marina stercorantur, Ahja marina.
cujus vis magna, accedente bis quotidiano aestu, in littus ejicitur :
adsunt servi observatis horis, et, ne quid pereat, recedente aestu
algam fugientem retrahunt, sese undis, saeva hjeme, (etiam saepe
noctu), immergentes. Caeterum, haec agriculturae ratio non his
locis propria, sed quam late patent littora, et mare propinquum.
omnibus communis, nisi scopuli prohibeant.

PRAEFECTURAE

Bog-of-

Gicht .

Ripae Spaeae assidet ( Bog-of-Gichf ) arx, culta, laxa, in magnam
evecta altitudinem, et supra caeteras harum regionum splendida :
cui, sive voluptatem, sive usum spectes, nihil desit, hortis amoenis,
et vivario amplo quadripartite septa, ad usum cervorum, quorum
illic duum generuni abunde est, sicut et cuniculorum, leporum,
anserum ferarum, anatumque. Loco nomen a depresso silvestrique
situ : banc, superioribus annis, magnifice auxit Marchio Huntilaeus,
totius hujus tractus dominus.

Huic et vicinae Boenae interjacet silva proceris quercubus non
ita pridem vestita, nunc tota excisa in novam sobolem per vicinos
colles revirescit.

STRATH-BOGIA, (STRA TH-BOGIE.)

Dovernus.
Bogius.

Glcbae uber-

tas.
In quadra-
tfinta octo
pagos divisa,
[The-Aucht-
and-fourty-
daach. ]

Boves sagi-
nati.

Sirath-Bogia
arx.

Strath-Bogia, ampla et antiqua baronia, nunc in comitatum a
Jacobo Rege evecta : eam Dovernus et Bogius aranes irrigant, in
eaque miscentur ; torrentes et rivuli Irequentes, quibus ad uber-
tatem glebae, tum ad messes, turn ad gramina, multum proficitur.

Ante multa tempora in quadraginta octo pagos divisa, quos anti-
quitus, ut dictum est, daachs vocabant ; quorum singulis tantum
agri contributum, quantum toto anno quatuor aratris proscindi
posset ; singula, autem, aratra, quatuor aut quinque boum jugis,
aguntur, unde non exiguum soli postulatur, cum moris bic sit, de-
sectis messibus, per totam hyemem exerceri aratra ad Martium
mensem, unde sementi initium, sed non ante senescentem Maium
illi labori requies. Hodie, excisis silvis, omnique agro, unde segetis
spes, ad culturam translato, omnia plusquam duplicata sunt.

Telae lineae subtiles et tenuioris fili hie laboratae, supra caeteras
regni commendantur ; unde incolis certum emolumentum, qui eas in
nundinis aestivis venales exhibent. Boum, autem, ad macellum
gramine saginatorum, magna vis; ovium, equorum, (ad rusticos
usus,) quantum abunde sufflciat, nee non quibus instruantur fora.

Sti'ath-Bogia, unde regioni nomen, ampla et magnifica arx,

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS. 15

amoenique situs, ad confluentes dictorum fluminum, hortis laxis et
jucundis instructa, posita est ; ad fores Dovernus ponte saxeo
stratus est. Est, ad Bogium, ad milliare unum a flumine, Lismor Lismor nrx.
arx ; infra earn, diversa ripa, Gartly ; ad Dovernum, in limite, Gariiy. in-
Inglassie est, quae a plerisque Balvaniae accensetur : infra earn n^^^sie.
est Carnborrow ; a fluvio, ad duo miliaria, est, ad amoenum rivuni, Curnborrou:
Petlurg ; inferius, ad eundem, Achanachy ; multae praeterea villae Achanachu
festinanti indictae.

Appendix liujus tractus est Rothimaya arx, et parocbia, tribus Ruthimayn.
infra Stratb-Bogiam milliaribus, ad Dovernum, jam Bogio et Yla
fluminibus auctuni ; olim bujus districtus non contemnenda pars,
non ita pridem Baronum Parlamentariorum de Saltoun baeredum,
nunc ad Gordonios devolutus.

Ad fontes Doverni jacet tractus bumili inter montes situ, Ca- Cabrach.
bracb ei nomen, ad radices asperi et excelsi mentis Back dicti, ex [The-Buck-of-

-. 1 . ■ • •! • • n 1 tlie-Cabrach.]

adverso Stratb-Avmiam spectans, montibus aspens, qui a Scala, g^.^/^ montes.
propter praecipitia, nomen babent, divisa ; unde efFunditur in Do- [The-Black-
yernum fluviolus, Niger dictus. Ager bic gramini et pascuis sepo- '"■^-^''■J
situs, quorum bic mira luxuries : per aestatem mapalia pastoritia
omnia tenent ; byeme, ut plurimum, demigratur.

Hujus regionis incolae, maxiraam partem, Marcbionis Hnntilaei Inrolae omnes
necessarii sunt, ejusdemque cognominis, quod more regni constanter filmtila'ei"
retinent ; omnes vero ejus clientes. Jam ante annos trecentos et cUentes.
quadraginta, casu familiae Cuminiorum', a Roberto ejus nominis
Primo, Marcbionis Huntilaei majoribus, jus bujus regionis collatum
est ; qui bac occasione, e Mercia provincia, ubi avitae illis sedes,

1 [" Tenuerat ea gens, (quae, ante trecentos annos, omnium Sootiae nobilium, et supra
omnes Scotorum proceres, potentissima et numerosissima,) Buquhaniae maximam partem,
Strath-Bogiam universam, Balvaniam, Bailenocham, Lochabriam, Atholiam, multaque alia in
his oris ; muUa quoque in australibus nostri regni provinciis, quae mihi non nunc occurrunt ;
ecclesiasticos quoque reditus non exiguos : sed, cum a partibus Edwardi Primi Anglorum
Regis in patriae dedecus contra Robertum Primum, vindicem nostrum, stetissent, perduel-
lionis rei, iis omnibus exciderunt, maximamque partem aut misere periere, aut solum ver-
tere." Nova Moraviae Descriptio, auctorc Roberto Gordonio, apud 3. Blaeu Theat. Orbis
Terrarum, part. v. p. 105. Amstel. 1654.]

16 PRAEFECTURAE

in haec loca demigrarunt ; parte sobolis illic relicta, parte in Gal-
lovidiam provinciam fusa, unde origo familiae vicecomitura de
Kenmuir. Postea, ad annum mccccvii. [/. mccccii.] infelice
ad Halidonem \l. Homildoiin] pugna, caeso Adamo Gordonio',
familiae principe, cum Rogero fratre, superfuit unica filiola, ex asse
haeres, cum feuda masculina nondum apud nos invaluissent : ilia
adulta maritum habuit, Alexandrum Setonium, Baronis Parlamen-
tarii de Seatoun filium secundo genitum, ea tamen lege, ut soboles
cognomen et insignia antiquae familiae retineret. Manent tamen

' [" Intrantes Angliam, depraedati sunt earn usque ad Novum-Castrum. Et in rede-
undo praevenerunt eos D. Henricus Percy junior, alias Hatspur, cum comite Marchiarum,
domino Georgio de Dunbar, et exercitu grandi, apud Milfelde : ubi comes de Douglas
ascendit locum eminentiorem, Homildoun vocatum, et ibidem in edito praestolabatur adven-
tum Ano-licorum : qui stantes in piano ex adverso, tandem de mandato Percy volebant
assilire Scotos; sed comes Marchiae retinebat Percy per frenum, dicens eum non debere
movere, sed debere mittere sagittarios, et Scotos, quasi signum ad sagittas, posse de facili
penetrare, et sic eos victos captivare, sicut rei exitus patefecit. Nam ad Scotos procedcntes
arcitenentes Angli ipsos sagittis consuerunt, et ad modum erinacii tanquam cetis et spinis
hispidos reddiderunt, manus et lacertos propriis Scotorum lanceis confixerunt, ubi asperrimo
imbre sagittarum alios prostraverunt, alios vulneraverunt, et quamplures occiderunt. Quod
attendens miles magnanimus dominus Johannes Swynton, tanquam voce horrida praeconis
exclamavit, dicens; ' O commilitones incliti ! quis vos hodie fascinavit non indulgere solitae
probitati, quod nee dextris conseritis, nee ut viri corda erigitis ad invadendum aemulos, qui
vos, tanquam damulos vel hinnulos imparcatos, sagittarum jaculis perdere festinant? De-
scendant mccum qui velint, et in nomine Domini hostes penetrabimus, ut vel sic vita poti-
amin-, vel salteni, ut milites, cum honore occumbamus.' Haec audiens insignissimus belliger
Adam de Gordon, dominus ejusdem, qui et ipse per magna tempora capitales contra dictum
dominum de Swynton inimicitias exercuit, interfectis ab utraque parte per diversos conflictus
valentioribus armigeris, tiexis coram eo genibus veniam petiit, ac etiam ab eodera, tanquam
a tunc probiori milite in armis totius, ut asseruit, Britanniae, se per ejusdem D. Jobannis
manus in militem circunicingi. Quod et factum est : et ipsos sic reconciliatos secuta est
venerandae militiae cohors centcna, qui cum millenis Anglicis intrepide concertantes, non
sine magna strage Anglorum tota ilia conventio Scotica cecidit occisa. Crcditum utique
I'uit, et per Anglos ut audivi, juratum, quod si ceteri Scoti qui in monte de Homildoun
steterant ipsos consimili impetu expetivissent, vel quod Anglici aufugissent, vel de ipsis
Scoti victoriam obtinuissent. Hi etenim milites ibi ceciderunt, Johannes de Swynton ejus-
dem, Adam de Gordon ejusdem, Johannes Levingston de Kalendar, Alexander Ramsay de
Dalwolsi, Walterus de Sancto-Claro, Rogerus de Gordon,' et Walterus Scot, cum aliis quam-
pluribus valentioribus scutiferis, quorum mors non minus regno damnabilis, quam tlebilis
exstitit et dolenda." Joannis Forduni Scotichronicon, lib. xv. cap. xiv. vol. ii. pp.433, 434.
edit. Edinb. 1739.]

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS. 17

diversae non incelebres familiae in liis oris, quae ante banc scis-
surani propagatae sunt. Postea, semper regibus fidi, qui non semel
conjurationibus nobiliura agitabantur, ab iisdem multis latifundiis
aucti sunt. Regnante Maria, (cum non satis sui juris esset,)
graviter perculsi sunt ; ejus tamen partes constanter sectati. Ja-
cobuni Regem, quantum factiones, (quibus ille tantum non op-
pressus,) passae sunt, semper amicum habuere. Quae, postea, Caroli
temporibus, accidere, non est hujus loci commemorare : baeres
domus, et multo maxima clarae sobolis pars, fata et infortunia
Regia habuere. Non, tamen, desperandum est illustrem familiam,
quae saepe fatis suis supervixit, aliquando revaliturara.

BOENA, (DOYN.)

"Boena regiuncula, laeto solo qua mari ad arctum propinquior, suus.

mediterranea non item, ab Ainia, secundum littora, ad Doverni

ostia se porrigit. In aditu est Cullena, vetusta, quidem, oppidi jure Cullenu.

fruitur, sed portu defecta, vix mediocris vici nomine digna : eam

solum commendant aQ;er frudfer, et Comitum Finlaterii aedes, qui, C|o»zzfem Fin-

o . . . . . ' ^ ' lalerii aedes.

deserta arce Finlater, scopulo marino inaedificata, ad milliare unum,

hue migi'arunt, amoenitate loci illecti ; sunt etiam illis, in vicinia,

ampla latifundia cum aedibus, Desfoord, ad alterum milliare, nee Desfaord.

inde longe, Durn. Est in vicinia Birkenbog, Abircrommiorum arx ; ^"^'v ^

est, itidem, Glassach, Gordoniorum villa. Legendo littus ad ortum, Glassach.

ad quartum a Cullena miUiare, occurrit arx, cui Rupis Boenae

(Crag of Boyn) nomen, pulchra sane; et, paulo ulterius, Buch- CiagofBoyn.

ragie : utriusque doniinus a totius regionis nomine titulos babet. Buchragie.

Banfla, vero, oppidum, praefecturae bujus caput, ad Doverni Banfia.
ostia sedet ; non ilia, quidem, magni momenti, cum locus impor-
tuosus sit, cauro, ventorum in bis oris saevissimo, objectus ; unde,
quandoque, fluminis ostia situm mutant. Arcis reliquiae super-
sunt ; cives, negotiationi maritimae impares, agrum suburbanum
eximie fertilem, strenue exercent : est quoque salmonum piscatura

PRAEFECTURAE

IncheDrewir

Knnk ynons.

non incelebris. Non procul ab oppido est Inche-Drewir, villa
Baronis Parlamentarii, qui ab oppido titiilos habet. Longius in
mediterraneis est Park, Gordoniorum arx, sub excelso monte ciii
Knok nomen, sed quae buic tractui vix accenseatur.

Praefectura juridica universi bujus tractus, qui Bauflae nomine
censetuv, ante Roberti Primi Regis aevum, baereditaria fuit Cumi-
niorum Comitum de Bucban : pulsis illis crimine majestatis, ut dixi-
mus, beneflcio Regum successere Stuarti, Regiae familiae pars ; sed,
superiori seculo, jure connubii ad Duglassios devoluta est ; eodem-
que jure, nostra memoria, transiit ad Areskinos, e familia Comitum
de Marr, qui titulos Comitum de Bucban hodie praeferunt. Regi-
unculae vero Boenae maximam partem tenet Ogilviorum familia,
aut bujus familiae clientes. Eorum primus est Comes de Finlater,
cujus majores, ex Angusia, baud procul Taoduno, bic primum con-
sederunt, jure maritali acquisita baerede cui Sanclaria cognomen.
Ab his prognata familia baronum de Boyn ; a quibus manavit
tertia, Baronis Parlamentarii cui a Banlia titulus.

BUCHANIA, (BUCHAN.)

Solum.

Mor-mond
mons.

Coleu.
Trouj).

Bucbania ab ostiis Doverni initium babet, secundum littus in
ortum tendens, ad principium sinus Varar dicti, unde littora
circumflectuntur ad meridiem : in mediterraneis, fines incerti : qui-
busdam censentibus eam Dona flumine, ad meridiem, finiri ; alii non
excedunt Ytbannum flumen, reliqua Formartinae nomine babent.

Bucbaniam totam campi aut colles tenent ; tota messibus et agri-
culturae dicata, innumeris rivis irrigua ; nuUi montes, unus, solum,
caeteris praecelsior, (Mor-mond dicunt,) vix modico colli in medi-
terraneis par. Nullibi, per totum regnum, telluris aequalis et mon-
tibus liberi, cernere est, aequale spatium.

At, ut singula persequar : legeudo littus a Banfia in ortuni, visitur
Colen, ubi aedes sunt Barclayorum, baronum de Towy ; sequitur
Trowp, superaedificata (ad mare) scopulo in istbmo, nunc neglecta.

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS. 19

Proxima est Pennan, in littore, ubi nobilis lapidum molarium vena, Pennan.
qui frequentes longe lateque evehuntur. Proxima est Petslego; Petskgo.
arx est Baronis Parlamentarii e familia Forbesiorum ; cui contigua
Pettuly, villa baronum de Phillorth. Dein, post villam Fingask, sue- pil'^afi
cedit promontoriolum Kynards-liead ; et, ad id, oppidulum Fraser- Kynartis-head.
burg, ubi, molitus oppidum, ante annos quinquaginta, Alexander ' ""
Fraserius, illustris cques, baro de Phillorth, libertatibus a Rege
concessis, locum auxit. Molem, etiam, lapideam, magnis sumptibus,
oceano objecit ; primum, loco iniquiore, unde translatis alio operibus
portum munivit, unde locus frequentior.

Ad duo millia progresso occurrit Carn-Builg, arx Baronum Par- Cam-Buiifi.
lamentariorum de Mulkal : quam sequitur Inner-AUochy, Fraseri- inmr-Allo-
orum itidem arx. Jam littora incipiunt in meridiem deflectere, '^^'■^'
ubi exiguus sinus est Strabeg, olim porta nobilis, nunc arenis pene strabeg.
obrutus : manent hie oppidi Ratray vestigia, quae nunc portus for- Ratm,/.
tunam sequuutur. Boetius, historicus noster, miratur hunc solum
amnem salmones non subire ; sed nihil hie est quod grandiores
pisces suscipiat, praeter duos limosos rivulos aquarum sic indigos,
ut vix pares truttis habeant.

Nihil hie in littore plus memoratu dignuni, donee Ugii ostia
occurrant. Ugius, duplicibus fontibus, duo flumina fundit, modica Ugiusfluvim.
tamen : ad illud quod magis in boream vergit, est Strechin, Fra- StrecUu.
seriorum villa ; ad alterum, Fedderet, Irwinorum arx ; eique contigua Fedderet.
Bruclaw, eorundem itidem : hi sunt e familia de Drum. Diverse Bruclaw.
a flumine itinere est Neilier-Muir, quae Gordoniorum est ; at le- Nether- Muir.
gendo flumen Glak-riach est, quae Kethorum villa. Non longe Gink-riach.
inde. in depressa valle, olim tota silvestri, sunt ruinae Coenobii de Cocnobmmdr
Dear, olim opulenti ; et inde, ad milliare, in flexu fluminis, pagus ^'^"^■
Dear cum ecclesia. Ad milliare unum a flumine est Kynmundy, et Kynmundy.
Lud-wharn ; ilia Gordoniorum, haec Kethorum villa. Lud-wham .

Non longe hinc flumina confluunt, et, jam vicina oceano, praeter-
eunt Craig arcem, et in adversa ripa Inner-Ugy ad ipsa ostia, ^^'^^9-

» _ ^ oj r ' inner- Ugy.

utrumque Comitis Mareschalli haeredium : Inner-Ugy, arx sane
magnifica, oppoiiuno loco posita, si commoda e mari aut flumine

PRAEFECTURAE

Comes Mares-
callus.

Taezalum
promonlo-
rium, Bu-
chan-ness.

Peter-head.

How-nes.

Slants.

Aquae lapide-
scentes.

Ythannas
Jiuvius.

aut agris spectentur. Comes ille, haereditarius regni Marescallus,
qui in his locis longe lateque multonim praediorum dominus
caeteris praepollet, Kethorum familiae princeps, qui a Pictis origi-
nem suam repetit ; qui, quaiuvis, ante multa secula, avitis sedibus
et regno pulsi, non incredibile est, multis parcitum fuisse. Donius
liaec illustris, etiam, in Marria et Mernia, non exiguum soli tenet.

Ad duo liinc raillia Taezalum promontorium visitur, hodie
Buclian-ness, extremum ad ortum toto regno littus : ad illud, est
oppidulum Peter-head, loco ad rem maritimam opportuno, si in-
dustria adliibeatur ; at quae fuerat ad portum moles pene defecit.

Adhuc legendo littus prima occurrit Bow-nes, quae vox curvum
promontorium significat. Hie, in scopulosa chersoneso, sunt aedes
illustris Comitis Errol, familiae Hayorum principis, regnique haere-
ditarii Connes-stabilis. Hujus familiae memorabilem originem re-
censere, non est hujus epitomes ; at illam non neglexit annalium
nostrorum diligentia, quaeque ad Loncartem vicum, praelio contra
Danos, antliore Hayo, gesta sunt. Avitae illis sedes Errolia, cum
amplissimis et feracissimis latifundiis, ad Tai fluminis ripam, ubi
hodieque praepollent ; at, in locis quae nunc describimus, Robertus
Rex, proscriptis Cuminiis, eos locavit. Hie, autem, illis ampla
latifundia sunt, quae, ad alteram a Taezalo promontorio milliare
incipiendo, adusque Ytlianni ostia porriguutur. In boc littore sunt
ruinae arcis illorum de Slanis ; et, ibidem, scatebrae aquarum lapi-
descentium, oriuntur diversis fontibus, centenis aliquot a littore
passibus, et per scopulosos anfractus miscentur mari ; inde exco-
quitur albissima et tenacissima calx, tectoriis operibus utilissima.

Sequuntur ostia Ythanni fluminis, quod arenaceo solo mare
subit ; unde non parum damni vicinis agris feracissimis, quorum
non exigua pars, arenis operta saevientibus ventis, jam periit.
Fluvii hujus ostia reflectuntur in austrum ; aestus, autem, quotidi-
anus oceani hunc altius sul)it supra reliquos toto hoc littore, quan-
quam aquis polleant : nihil, tamen, inde commodi ad securitatem
portus, qui minoribus navigiis solum pervius.

Ascendendo fluvium, qui per cultam et feracem regionem labitur,

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS. 21

occurnint, ad sinistram, Foveran, arx ; Newburg, vicus piscarius ; Foveran.
Knok-hall, arx; et, ad alterum a flumine milliare, Fuddes, quae Knok'haH
utraque Joannem Udnaeiim dominum babent. In altera ripa est Fuddes.
Ellen, pagus parocbialis; cui contigua sunt Abbots-hall, Forbesi- Abbots-hall.
orum ; Ard-gith, Kennedorum : et Ocbter-Ellen, Udnaeoruni, arces -j-^d-gith-

° . , . . , Ochter-Ellen.

aut aedes: cui, in altera ripa, Essilmout, Comitis Erroliae arx, EssUmont.
objacet ; et, supra earn, Park-of-Kelly ; et, ulterius ascendendo, in Park-of-Keiiy
advcrsa ripa, Gicht ; quae duae Gordoniorum arces sunt. Hie, doghouse T'
liuvii ripae silvis vestiuutur, quod bis locis rarum. Gicht.

Sequitur Fyvie, magnifica et amoena arx, quae Ferraelino-duni Fi/vie.
Comitem dominum babet. Supra banc, Towy, Barclayoruui arx, Towy-Bar-
visitur ; cui vicina, Eoquolly, ad Mowettos pertinens ; sed non ad Boquolly.
fluvium jacet. Sequitur Turref, quem exiguus rivus irrigat, mox Turref.
se in Dovemum mergens. Pagus est totis bis oris amoenissimus,
loco venation! et aucupio aptissimo, circa quem arces, aedes,
villae nobilium, frequentes ; quarum praecipuae, Delgaty, Hayorum ; Delgaty.
Cragstoun, Urcbartorum, arces ; et, ad ripam Doverni, Iden : nee Cragstoun.

. . ... . . . Iden.

inde longe, ruinae vetusti raunimenti, tuto situ ad fluviolum siti,
Anglorum opus, tempore Edwardi Primi, a quo loco nomen est King-Edwanl.
King-Edward. Caetera persequi longum et inutile est.

FORMARTINA, (FORMARTIN.)

At quicquid terrarum Ythannum et Donam flumina inteijacet,
Formartinae nomine apud incolas audit, qui se Bucbaniae accenseri
dedignantur. Nullum in ea oppidum ; vicina, enim, Aberdonia ne-
gotiationem omnem intercipit. At, si soli ingenium, aut incolarum
genium, spectetur, consideratione dignus est, et nullis e vicinis non
par ; quam plurimos, autem, incolarum frequentia, bonitate terrae,
arcium et villarum copia et amoenitate, mansuetudiue et morum
cultu, longe vincit.

Loca quaedam, dum Ytbauni cursum persequor, memorata sunt :
habet, etiam, Crecby ad flumen dictum ; est Tarves, pagus cum Tarves.

PRAEFECTURAE

Tolwhon.

Udny.

Petmaden.

Drumbrek.

Petreichy.

>!traloc/i.

Prendraught.

Kinairdy.

Carnoiisie.

Achintoul.

Forglyn.

ecclesia ; Tolwhon, arx Forbesiorum ; Udny, dicti Joannis Udny ;
Petmaden, Setoniorum villa ; Drumbrek, Petreichy, Metella-
norum ; Straloch, Gordoniorum, villae ; multaeque praeterea mihi
indictae.

Supra banc, proximus in mediterraneis tractus est, nulli aliae
provinciae accensendus ; nondum nominis proprii potens, partim a
praefectura Aberdonensi, partim a Banfiensi, jus petens ; sex, tamen,
parochiis, iisque satis amplis, distinctus : habentur in eo Pren-
draught, et Kinairdy, Vicecomitum Crichtoniorum arces ; Car-
nowsie, Ogilviorum ; Achintoul, Gordoniorum ; Forglyn, Baronis
Parlamentarii de Banf, villae ; cum nonnullis aliis.

GAREOCHA, (GARVIACH.)

Bennackius
mons.

Utuis amnis.
Gartly.

Gadius flu-
violits.

Incite.
Diinidure
collis.

Districtus hie, Strath-Bogia, Marria, et Formartina septus, nul-
libi mari contiguus. Nominis ratio incerta : prisca lingua vox
qarve, asperum, saxosum, inaequale solum significat ; ach, vero,
campum vel camjjestre ; quae non respondent hujus indoli ; duobus,
enim, amnibus, multisque rivulis intersectus, in convalle totus
positus jacet ; collibus frugiferis expansus, ubere et tempestiva
messe mmquam non coloni votis respondens. Bennachius mons, in
septem vertices assurgens, asper et saxeus, ei ad meridiem prae-
tenditur ; qui praeternavigantibus se conspicuum praebet. Urius
amnis, non procul arce Gartly, humili jugo effusus, per sterilem
vallem lapsus, unde per montium confragosa eluctatus, et campis
immissus, mediam inaequali et tortuoso alveo secans, ad Inner-uriam
urbeculam, Donae confluit. Ad radices, vero, Bennachii montis,
ejusque longitudinem emensus, Gadius fluviolus, paulo supra dictam
urbeculam, eidem miscetur.

Hie non deest venatio leporum jueunda: piscium fluviatilium,
aviumque, perdicum, vanellorum, abunde est ; gramen parcius.
Ad milliare unum, supra pagum Inehe dictum, collis eminet, undi-
que rotundus, tota valle conspicuus, totus laeto gramine virens ; in

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS. 23

cujus summo fastigio manent arcis parietinae, Gregorii Primi
Regis opus, circa annum salutis dccclxxx., ubi et fato functus
ille : quod vix referrem, nisi fabula ovium in eo colle pascentium,
me monuisset. Quarum, quandoque, dentes maxillares aureo
colore nitentes inveniuntur ; horum nonnullos vidisse me memini,
qui plane aurati videbantur ; unde historicus noster, parum rei
metallicae gnarus, existimavit auri venam telluri subesse ; at,
exacte consideranti, nihil tale apparet.

At confluentiam Donae ct Urii est Inner-uria, pagi forma, uberi inncr-uria.
agro. Superioribus seculis, omnia circumquaque hie silvis horre-
bant, Donae ripis, potissime, obsitis ; quarum, nunc, nulla vestigia
apparent. Non longe hinc Robertus Primus Rex, aeger et lectica
vectus, acie fudit Joannem Cuminium, Buchaniae Comitem, sicque
vires ejus factionis contrivit, ut nunquam resurgeret : hie primus
illi, post infinitos labores exhaustos, felix congressus. Contigere
haec ante annos trecentos quinquaginta. Postea, ad annum
Mccccxi., Alexander Stuartus, Marriae Comes, vir magnanimus,
Donaldum Insulanum, Aebudarum viribus fretum, circa haec loca,
ad Harlaum vicum, cruento praelio vicit, et his regionibus pacem Harluu.
restituit.

Tota haec vallis, egregie culta, populo frequens, multis villis
aedibusque habitatur; e quibus sunt Lesly, prima Leslaeorum Lesty.
sedes, ut ex antiquissimis chartis, adhuc extantibus, creditur.
Familia ilia, in immensum hodie aucta, comites baronesque pro-
duxit, qui in aliis regni locis fortunas suas collocavere. Licklie- LickUehmd.
head, quae cum altero jam dicto, hodie Forbesiorum est : Wardes, Wardes.
Fercharsoniorum arx ; infra eam, Newtoun, Gordoniorum^^est : Hanwu"
HarthiU, sub Bennachio monte, ad Lethos spectat : sunt "pKietferea Baiquayn.
Balquayn, et Pitcapill, quae Leslaeis propriae sunt. At Piftodrie, puTodrie.
ad Areskinos ; Caskiben, ad Jhonstonios ; Lathinta, ad Urchartos ; CasMben
Barra et Meldrum, ad Setonios, referuntur. Keith-hall.]

Districtus hujus maxima pars, jam a multis annis comitatui ^'af^a'"'
Marriae adnexa, hodie ejus titulos auget. Meldrum.

PRAEFECTURAE

MARRIA, (MARK.)

Deajiiimen.
Scairsoch.

Bini-Vroden.
Gnldy.

Inner-cy.

Castell-toun.

Inner-cald.
Criithy.
Abirgeldie.
Strath-Dee.
Gardinus
fluvius.
Silvae.

JMarriae pars inferior, quae oceano propinquior, Dona et Dea
fluminibus coercetur ; in superioribus, extra ilia exspatiatur, longi-
tudine insignis, latitudine impar. Qui haec duo flumina, et con-
fluentes illis amniculos, descripserit, omnia pene, quae hue spectant,
dixerit ; adeo mediterranea montibus et ericetis abundant. Dea,
namque, Grampios montes a fontibus ad ostia secans, (ubi hi montes
in colles demittuntur,) toto alveo inter eos praeceps deyolvitur ;
unde maxima pi'ovinciae pars segeti inepta ; at, quicquid messibus
cedit, optimae notae est, desecaturque tempestive satis. Montes
hi armentis bourn, ovium lectissimarum gratissimique saporis
gregibus, equis ad usus rusticos, capris etiam in superioribus oris,
satis divites. Lanae, omnium a me hactenus descriptorum tractuum
longe optimae, candore, mollitie, tenuitate laudatae, avide expe-
tuntur : non, tamen, haec sarciunt damnum inutilis soli. Aer salu-
ber, incolae robusti, sani, et homines frugi : tellus arida, et quam
niultis locis infrugifera, ingenia incolarum accendit.

Dea fontes habet non procul humilium montium serie, Scairsoch
dicta, qui Marriam superiorem a Badenocha dividunt, ad radices
praecelsi montis, Bini- Vroden dicti ; susceptoque Galdy amniculo,
paulum in hybernum ortum means, sed statim, retorquens cursum
in orientem, nullis pene flexibus impeditus, quamvis altis asperis-
que montibus ntrinque coercitus, celer, limpidus, illimis, glareoso
semper alveo, ad Aberdoniam oceano miscetur. Ad Inner-ey, cui
ab amniculo Ey nomen, septem a scatebris milliaribus, primum
culturam sentit ; deinde, multis et frequentibus rivis auctior, a
dextris alluit Castell-toun, Marriae comitis arcem. In adversa
ripa stat Inner-cald, cum pago parochiali Crathy ; paulo inferius,
Abirgeldie arx, ubi tractus hie Strath-Deae nomine audit: infra
banc, in adversa ripa, Gardinus fluvius, reliquis aquarum abun-
dantior. Hie montibus Dea arctatur, sed silvae proceris abie-
tibus spectandae non desunt, ab ipsis fontibus. Sequitur Glen-

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS. 25

Muick, exigua vallis, cui ab amne earn intersecante nomen, qui e Gien-Muick.
lacu cognomine, post non multa milliaria, paulum infra Gardini
ostia, sed ad versa ripa, flumen subit.

Proxima liuic valli est Paunanicli silva, unde materies frequenter Pannanich
Aberdoniam, (sed dolata ad usus rusticos,) devehitur : tigna enim " ""'
et integri arborum trunci aspero et saxoso itinere deferri nequeunt,
neque rapidissimo et vorticoso flumini, (quanquam aquarum satis
sit,) tuto committi. Sequitur, in eadem ripa, Kean-na-KyU, (quae Keanna-Kyi
vox caput silvae significat,) amoena arx, a Marchione Huntilaeo,
ante non multos annos, ad secessum voluptarium condita, loco
undique silvis opaco, piscatui, cervorum et daniarum venatui,
aucupio etiam, opportuno. Post banc, Tanerus amnis Deam Tanerm:
subit, ortus e jugis montium qui Angusiae et Marriae limites '""""•
faciunt: ingenti silva procerarum abietum ripae coronantur. Se-
quitur tractus Birs dictus, qui a flumine ad fontes amnis Feuch Ylm\\ umnif.
dicti excurrit, ubi, superioribus annis, ingens betularum arborum
silva, regionum inferiorum usibus abunde satisfecit ; nunc tota
excisa, incuria eorum quorum interest, tarde sobolescit, nulla tel-
luris, (ad hoc aptissimae,) injuria aut vitio.

Hie primum Marria Deam limitem babet ; quinimo, proxima ei
ad meridiem Mernia, flumen transgressa, parochiam Banchory ei Banchory.
subtrahit, in qua, non longe a ripa, arx Crathes sedet : Thomas Cmthes.
Burnetus, baro, loci dominus, cura et operibus loci ingenium vicit ;
consitis enim abietibus, aliisque multifariam arboribus, horridas
cautes vestivit, hortis instruxit, voluptatem paravit. Adhuc descen-
dendo, sequitur Drum arx, ad milliare unum a flumine, loco aspero Dn,m.
et saxoso, at aedificiis et hortis egregie instructa : Alexandrum
Irwinum, baronem antiquae et illustris prosapiae, dominum habet.

Nihil hie praeterea memorabile, antequam fluvius pontem subeat :
at, in superiori regione, post Gardini amnis ostia, tractus est Cromarr Croman-.
dictus, ab omni vicinia montibus divisus ; ad occasum Morvin, prae- Monin.
celsus supra caeteros mons, et Kilblena silva, terminum faciunt ; KUbhna.
caetera montibus ignobilibus dividuntur a vicinis. Quanquam autem
Deam adusque pertingat, nullibi tameu infeliciore tellure, quam quae

PRAEFECTURAE

Obyne.

Achlosstn.

Cannius
fliivinlus

D(i>iii flumen.

Strath-Don.
Corgarj:

Nochteits
fluviohis.

Descrius
Jiuviolus.

liiTipr-Buchet

Kildrummy

flumini proxima ; illic, enim, nee segeti nee herbae loeus, incultis
erieetis squallens. At, ad unum a flumine milliare, alia rerum
facies : illic se pandit laeta planities ; non ilia in campos expansa,
sed crebris coUibus distincta, tota eereri dicata. vicinorum omnium
horreum ; nihil hie non egregium, nihil non tempestivum. In quinque
parochias divisa, diversos dominos agnoscit, duobus rivulis inter-
secta; et, quod minim, nullae in ea arees, nullae insignes villae,
nihil denique praeter unius aut alterius arcis parietinas : egregie
tamen tota exculta.

Proxima ei adhaeret Obyne, quae titulos Baronis Parlamentarii
dat Marchionis Huntilaei filiorum uni : eui vieinus, in valle, Aehlos-
sin, exiguus laeus, et ad eum culta terra. Ad fluvium, vero, jaeet
Kincardin, pagus cum eeelesia, ad viam Regiam qua transmit-
tuntur Grampii montes, annuls nundinis ad Divi Bartholomaei
Celebris. Tribus infra banc milliaribus, Cannius fluviolus Deam
subit ; irrigat vallem amoenam et feraeem. Ad ostia attingit
Banchory a nobis dictam.

Dona fluvius, quantum magnitudine Deae impar, tantum ubertate
terrae, ilium vincit. E jugis montium, qui Strath-Aviniam a Mar-
ria dividunt, ortus, tenui alveo secat vallem Strath-Donam dictam.
Non procul a fontibus jaeet Corgarf, exigui nominis. Ad Inner-
Nochteam suscipit Noehteum fluviolum ; paulo inferius, Descrium
amniculum ; et, ex altera ripa, Buchetum, ubi Inner-Buchet, Gor-
doniorum arx : tractus hie herba laetus, nee desunt segetes, nisi
autumni intemperies noceat.

Ad tria milliaria abest Kildrummy arx, vetus ilia, et, ut creditur,
Regum priorum opus, lirmo muro, crebris et ingentibus turribus
distincto, iUis seculis contra vim tuta : Comitum Marriae in his
oris primaria sedes. Nobilis et antiqua haee familia, quanquam ab
hac provineia titulos habeat, prosapiam tamen debet australibus
regni oris. Multa in his locis latifundia habent : Marria tota
superior, dominos eos agnoseit ; imo, in inferioribus provinciis, a
me jam descriptis, multi eorum clientes sunt, eosque jure feudi,
(ut vocant,) dominos habent.

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS. 27

Sequitur Glenkindy ad Strachanos spectans, Comitum Marriae eo Gienkindy.
nomine clientes. Legendo Donae ripam, est parochia cui nomen
Forbes; cujus non erat meminisse, nisi, (ut referunt annales,) primus Forbes.
autor clarissimae familiae hie primas sedes habuerit, cujus posteri
in his locis, et adusque Donae fontes, raultum viribus et numero
polleant ; neque hie solum, sed, in varias diifusi propagines, multas
illustres familias peperere, quae in inferioribus regionibus, opibus
et dignitate clarae sunt, ad unam domum universi originem refer-
entes, cujus principes viri, quanquam, nee stemmatis antiquitate,
aut numerosa sobole, paucis cederent, mansere tamen Baron um
Parlamentariorum honore contenti, procul hodiema ambitione : ille
autem gradus statim ab initio illis oollatus.

Hie loci ]\Iarria, catenam montium supergressa, parochiam Clet, cht.
arcemque Drimminnor, cum hxtifundiis Baronis Parlamentarii de Drimmiimor.
Forbes, subtrahere videtur Gariochae et Strath-Bogiae.

At Doua, unde digressus sum, arctis faucibus paulum impeditus,
jam liber, per amplam et pinguis glebae vallem leniter means, ac- Leochellus
cepto LeocheUo amne, ad quern Cragivar, Forbesiorum arx, et Al- amms.
ford, pagus parochialis, jacent, post quatuor milliaria emensa, an- Alford.
gustiis Bennachii montis stringitur, rupibus et scopulis borrescen-
tibus, campis immissus amplam et amoenam planitiem aperit.
Hie Forbesiorum arx Monimosk, ubi, antea, eodem nomine Priora- Monimosk.
tus, (ut Yocant,) cujus latifundiis in privatos usus aversis, aedes
quoque intercidere. Diverso a flumine itinere, Cluny, arx amoena, ciuui/.
visitur ; nee longe Mulcalia, firma et egregii operis arx, sedes Mulcaiiu
Fraseriorum, qui inde titulos Baronum Parlamentariorum, prae- rv^"*^'*^ ^*5"''
ferunt. Descendendo, diversis ripis, Kemnay et Fetter-neir occur- Kcmnay.
runt, ubi iterum flumen clusuris pressum, non ante liberatur quam
Inner-Uriam subeat : unde Dona, adusque ostia, Marriae limitem
facit.

Hie, in austrum reflexus, fluvius, variis maeandris cultos campos,

(si qui in omnibus hisce provinciis,) secans, priuium Kintoram, Kintura.

celebrem ad viam Regiam pagum, ostendit, cui proxima arx Co-

mitis Mareschalli, ( Hall-of -Forrest vocant,) jacet ; praetergressus, Hall- of- For-
rest.

PRAEFECTURAE

Fintray.

Aberdonia
duplex.

Vet us Aber-
donia.

Ecclesia
catJiedrulis.

Episcopium.

Collegium
Regale.

Gerontoco-
mium.

Donae pons.

Monetaria
officina.

iterum in ortum reflexo alveo, campos spatiosos et feracissimos
de Fintray dictos, lenis et tortuosus pererrans, nullis amplius
montibus obstantibus, ripis tamen altioribus, per inaequalem tel-
lurem gurgitem trahens, oceano miscetur ; sed, arenaceo fimdo,
ostio navibus impervio. Ad mare, intersunt horum fluminum ostiis,
plus minus tria passuum millia, littore arenaceo.

Aberdonia, duplici nomine, itemque oppido, ad utriusque ostia
posita est : quae nova dicitur, ad Deam ; altera veteris nomine,
ad Donam. Intersunt circiter mille passuum.

Hie, in veteri, ecclesia cathedralis bono fato evasit sacrilegas
proximo seculo manus, plumbeo tecto spoliata, quod damnum
tegulae lapideae utcunque supplant. Hie Episcopi, (dum vigeret
honos et officium,) sedes : oppidum, ager suburbanus, illius erant ;
nunc, sic omnia mutata ut nee Episcopio parcitiim sit, neque, eo
diruto, lapidibus ipsis requies. Collegium vere Regale, Episcopus
Guilielmus Elpbinstonus, ad annum salutis mdxxi. [I. md.] hie
struxit, nullis sumptibus parcens, amplo censu annuo in eum usum
converso. Vix tamen tanto operi superstes, gerontocomium, quod
in animo habebat, executoribus testamento, legata in id pecunia,
mandavit ; neque opus illud, cura successoris neglectum jacuit.
Dona hie ripas ponte nectitur, unius fornicis opere, sed illius
sane visendae et laudandae ; nescitur autor, quod mirum, cum
Deae pons non uno loco autborem testetur : adeo diversa sunt
hominum ingenia. Supra pontem, vix ad alteram milliare, non
est opus referre molem lapideam, toto fluminis alveo artiflciose ob-
jectam, ad piscaturae ex salmonibus compendium ; unde multi
rem faciunt, cum fluvius ille piscibus illis imprimis foetus sit.

Aberdonia nova, tribus superstructa collibus, (quibus singulis sua
nomina,) editiore positu undique ascendendo aditur. Exteriores
ejus partes, tanquam suburbia, multis locis in plana expatiantur.
Gregorius Rex, ad dcccxc, loci opportunitate allectus, jura et
immunitates largitus est, Regiis aedibus decoravit, quae postea
Fratribus, (quibus a Trinitate nomen,) cessere. Monetariam in
oppido officinam, ai'guunt nummi argentei illic cusi, quorum aliquos

ABERDONENSIS ET BANFIENSIS. 29

vidisse, me memini. Sed, adhuc rebus infirmis, oppidum haerebat
in suburbio cui a viriditate nomen ; postea, auctis opibus, se per The Green,
proximos colles diflfudit, aedibus, plateis, templis, praetorio, et
quibuscunque aliis ad urbanuni usum necessariis, se instruxit : reni-
publicani, magistratibus electis, instituit ; commercia maritima cum
advenis agitavit : unde, aucto civiura numero, praefecturae totius
sedem juridicam, (tribunali vicecomitis illic constituto,) meritum est.
Collegium instituit Georgius Kethus, Comes, regni Marescallus, con- CoUegium.
versis iu eum usum Franciscanorura aedibus ad annum mdxciii.,
sed tam tenuibus initiis, ut nisi pioruni hominum liberalitas sub-
venisset, jam defecisset.

Portus oppido ad mille passus abest, quo alveus fluvii i-ecta Portm.
fertur, relicto paulum ad sinistram oppido ; sed, allabente aestu,
omnia adusque cothonem aquis operiuntur, sic minoribus navigiis
patet aditus; majora in porta deponunt onera. Ante motus nos-
tros civiles, cives raoliti sunt toto maritimo latei'i cothonem prae-
tendere ; jamque opus processerat, donee turbae apud nos impe-
dimentum injecerunt ; nunc iterum, rebus aliquanto pacatioribus,
procedit opus. Arx, cui in colle ab ea nomen, cum libertati in- An.
festa esset, jam a multis annis diruta. Non ita pridem tentatum
est oppidum ad usus bellicos muniri, sed infeliciter, cum natura
locorum repugnaret.

Ex adverso, et in conspectu oppidi, exercetur nobilis ilia salmo- Saimunum
num piscatura, unde non exiguus civibus quaestus. Hie lex P'^caturu.
agraria Lycurgi locum habet : tota ilia piscatus libertas in sortes
divisa est, quarum unam solam uni possidere fas ; si altera accedat.
vel ut haeredi, vel aliis modis, altera cedere necessum habet.
Flumen, ad alterum ab oppido lapidem, insigni septem fornicum Pons Deae.
opere ponte stratum est, firma et duratura ex sectili lapide archi-
tectura ; Galvini Dumbarri Episcopi opus hoc.

Proximo ab oppido, in radicibus humilis collis, cui a mulieribus Woman hill.
nomen est, manat copiosa scaturigo aquae limpidissimae, sed acidae,
et ferrei saporis : haec statim se vicino rivulo immergit. Creditur
haec aqua, (testante experientia,) affectis visceribus arnica, similes-

30 PRAEFECTUKAE ABEHD. ET BANK.

que vires aquis Spadanis in Belgio, tantopere celebratis, habere ;
unde etiam commune his cum illis nomen. Medici nonnuUi nos-
trates de hisce nostris scripsere, quae experientia didicerant, earum
viribus exploratis : stmt sane potui suaves, neque quisquani vel
largissime haustis, damnum sensit : caeterum, vel ad ehiendam
lineam vestem, Tel ad coquendam cerevisiam geutilem, illic potum,
vel ad rem culinae, plane inutiles : sic, ut videantur, a natura ad
medicos usus sepositae.

Utriusque oppidi Athenaea, praeter philosophica studia, habent
theologiae, juris, medicinae et matheseos professores, unde eorum
(fuibus ad haec animus, concursus. Hinc prodiere mnlti viri
egregii, et reipublicae utiles, quorum non pauci apud exteros vi-
tam egerunt, aguntque ; quorum nominibus modeste parco : horum
uonoulli scriptis suis satis cogniti ; aliis latere placitum, cum a
scribendi cacoethe, (nimis huic aevo familiari.) abhorrerent. vel
adliuc vivi abhorreant.

II.

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

WEM^MM^kSm^M^kM^km^^

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

^^ HERE being hitherto no Description of this Shire,
SsTl'-i the purpose is, either to afford materialls which
may be put in better forme by a more skillfull
hand ; or to describe it so as the ingenious, still
desirous of knowledge, but not having occasion to
travell, may see its lineaments as in a mapp, or
its image as in a mirrour : And, it being morally
impossible for any not to wish the place, where he drew his early
and innocent breath, to be beautified as a garden, it appears not un-
fitt, for the reader's greater contentment, that this Description be
variegated with remarkeable events, at the places where they hap-
pened, and congruous remarks thereupon, and with the origin and
vicissitude of families, as far as is known.

This shire is situated in the fifty-first degree and some minutes
of northern latitude ; and so is about eleven hundred Dutch leagues,
or seventeen hundred French leagues, or three thousand four hun-
dred miles, from the middle of the land ; and in degree of

longitude.

The countreys conterminous to Aberdeenshire are Merns, to the
south ; Angus, to the southwest ; and, to the east, for a tract of
thirty miles, it hath the German ocean ; keeping the opposite or
western shore of Norway at sixty leagues distant from it.

As Scotland is divided into shires, so Aberdeenshire is subdi-

34 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

vided in several tracts of land, known by different names, viz. : Marr,
Formartine, Buchan, and Garioch.

Marr, lying between the rivers Dee and Don, hatb about two
miles of sea coast; and those rivers are no where above eight miles
distant from one another.

Formartine, situate between Don and Ithan, hath eight miles of
sea coast ; and for its western boundary it hath Garioch.

Buchan, lying benorth Ithan, hath twenty miles of sea coast ;
Formartine to the west ; and, near Turref, is watered by the river
Dovern.

Garioch hath its limits mark'd out by hills, and comes no where
near the sea, but is well watered by two rivulets ; Gadie loosing
itself in Urie ; and Urie augmenting Don, near the royal burrough
of Inverurie.

These four districts gave antient titles of dignity to some
powerfull families, which in progress of time have undergone se-
veral vicissitudes and change of names.

The country of Mar gave the title of ane Earle to some of the name
of Mar ; and then to the Douglases ; and next to the Stewarts, of the
Royal family ; and, for some short time, to Cochran, who paid dear
for the dignity and his court favour, being hang'd over the bridge
[of Lauder] ; and since Queen Mary's reign gives title to Areskines.

Formartine gave designation to the Prestones of Formartine, who
having enjoyed it, before surnames were in use, and since the
partition of lands upon the overthrow of the Pictish kingdom, the
lands of Sir Henry Prestone came to the Forbeses, and to the
Meldrums, by his two daughters and heirs portioners, about three
hundred years ago. The continuance of the consanguinity and of
the descent from, and lineall succession to, the Prestones of For-
martme, though changed in name, is certain and well instructed by
charters in the hands of Tolquhon, and of another of the same
family ; but the so early origin of the Prestons of Formartine being
traditionary, and thereby credible, and its credibility supported by
the cii'cumstances of times and things, yet, what the Roman his-

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 35

torian said of seven hundred years' tradition, Quis enim rem tarn
veterem pro certo affirmet ? ' may be also said here, and the credibility
of the tradition as well believ'd as his history.

Biichan gave antient title of dignity to the Cummens, Earles of
Buchan ; thereafter to the Stewarts, of the Royal family; and then to
the Douglasses ; and, since the time of King James the Sixth, to the
Areskines ; whose collateral heir male, the Lord Cardross, succeeding
to the bare and naked title, is attoneing for the errours of his kin-
dred by a more decent, a wiser, and more thrifty conduct of life.

Garioch hath born a name of a Lordship to the Marrs, to the
Bruces, to the Stewarts, and also to the Areskines.

But the most natural and most intelligible division of Aberdeen-
shire being by rivers, this Description shall be prosecute accoi'ding
to the course of these rivers, and according to the coast of the sea ;
which kindly receives their superfluous waters, and thankfully
repays that tribute, by returning gi-eat plenty of delicate fishes into
those rivers again. The rivers are Dee, Don, Ithan and Ugie :
also Dovern touches a part of Aberdeenshire, and falls into the
Murray Furth near the town of Banf

The southmost of these rivers is Dee ; and, there being two other
rivers of the same name in Britain, one in Galloway, and another
making the north boundary of Wales, both falling into the Irish
sea, though all these three rivers be certainly of equal age, yet
they have not received their names at one time ; but, as men in-
creas'd, and remov'd from one to another to find new seats, the
name of the river of their earliest acquaintance hath been given to
that upon whose banks the removers planted themselves, and
there they got their new residence and rest. However it be, the
river Dee, divideing Aberdeenshire from The Merns, hath its source
in Bremarr, fourty miles westward from the city of Aberdeen ; runs
rapidly over peeble stones, and thereby its foords more dangerous
after rains ; admitts of little valey ground on either side ; allows no

' [Tit. Liv. Hist. lib. i. cap. iii.]

36 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

creives for salmond, nor damms for bringing its water to millns ;
but, again, it compenses, or makes amends, for those smaller losses,
by the beauty of its numerous woods, and by the profitt it affords
in plenty of the best of salmond.

From its source in Bremarr it runs by a parish of that name, a
niontanous place, affording more woods and pasture than corn
field ; but what coi-ns it yields, is of a good kind and soon
ripened, by reason of the summer warmness; which advantage
would be abated to its inhabitants by the longer and snowy
winters, were it not that they have plenty of fewell, both black
turff and burnwood.

The natives of this parish speak two languages ; the antient
Scottish, and the more modern English. It formerly belonged to the
Earles of Marr, whose title of property is turn'd to that of superio-
rity, gentlemen of the name of Farquharson becoming proprietors.

The Farquharsons, descended of Invercauld, are a branch of the
M'Intoshes : M'Intoshe, a younger son of the thain of Fife, who
married the heiress of the ClanChattan : the Clan Chattan, a branch
of the name of Keith, which, transplanted to Scotland from the
antient Chatti in Germany on the territory of the Landgrave of
Hess, is now the surname of the Earl of Marischall.

Invercauld, by the female descent, is also of M'Intosh, of Barclay
of Gartley I know no more : enquire.

Following the current of Dee, you come to the parishes of
Crathie and Glenmuick, called also by the name of Strathdee ; a
niontanous place as Bremarr, and speaking two languages. The
proprietors are Gordon of Abergeldie, and Farquharson of Inverray.
Abergeldie was a son of the Earle of Huntley : it lately fell to ane
heiress, and keeps the name. The house is a convenient castle build-
ing, pleasantly situate, as amongst Scottish mountains ; hath much
wood and some valley : this last a rarity on that river. The corns
here are also good. The origin of Inverray is already accounted for.

Dee runs now to the parishes of Glentaner, (well knovra for its
firr-wood,) and Birss, (remarkable for the slavish condition of its

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 37

indwellers,) and, below *Aboyn, to the parish of Kincardine Oneill,
where the country becomes less montanous, and growing scarcer

* Aboyn is beautified with a good liouse, the seat of the Earl of that name, a son of the
family of Huntley ; the present Earle the third.' His father, of a weak constitution, died
young : his grandfather, vigorous and sprightly, had a natural! and right high vein of poesy ;
was civil to such as lived at a distance, but difficult to his neighbours.

[Lord Charles Gordon, the first Earl of Aboync, (born about 1626, died in 1681,) a
noble author unknown to Walpole, seems also to have csAped the more searching notice of
the historians of Scotish poetry. His verses, which occur in several manuscript collections
of the period, are not without merit, although too often polluted by the licentious spirit ot
the loose age in which he lived. A few stanzas may be selected from what seems to have
been one of the most popular of his pieces :

" EARLE OF ABOYN'S LYNES.
1.

" It's not thy beautie nor thy witt.

That did my heart obtaine ;
For non of these could conquer yitt

Either my breast or braine ;
And if you'll not prove kynd to me.

Yet true as heretofoire,
Your slave henceforth I'll scorne to be.

Nor doat wpon yow more ! "

" Thinke not my fancie to o'ercome
By proveing thus vnkind.
No soothing smyle, nor seeming froun,
Can satisfie my mynd."

C.
" I meane to love and not to dott,
I'll love for love againe ;
And, if ye say ye love me not,

I'll laugh at your disdaine !
If you'll be loving, I'll be kynd.

And still I'll constant be ;
And, if the time doe change your mynd,
I'll change as soon as ye !"

These lines are printed from " A Collection of severall Satyrs, Lampoons, Songs, and

1 [John, third Earl of Aboyne, succeeded to the title in 1702, and died in 1732.)

38 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

of wood, hath more cornfield ; a very warm soil ripening grain as
soon if not sooner, than any part of Scotland.

This parish is a parsonage ; the parson hath several superiorities
of lands and teynds. The church hath been pretty large ; the
village convenient for travellers, who are numerous, by reason of
the great highrode south and north. It hath a weekly mercat, and
a much frequented yearly fair called Bartholomew's, belonging to
the Lord Forbes. The river had need of a bridge.

The proprietors of Kincardine were Strachens, at present For-
beses.

From the parish of Kincardine Oneill, Dee runs to that of
Banchrie, where stands the house of Crathess, the seat and resi-
dence of Sir Alexander Burnet of Leyes ; a family of good anti-
quity, and well descended by the female blood, as of the Viscount
of Arbuthnot, the antientest of the neighbouring shire of The
Merns, and of the Earle Mareschals family.

The house of Crathess is well built, well planted with natural
and artificial wood : the gardens produce delicate fruit ; the soil
is warm, the victual substantious and weighty. Sir Thomas entred
with a faire and free estate, by the assistance of a kindlie tutor;
had ample casualities from the government ; yet left his affairs diffi-
culted to his son Sir Alexander, whose commendation 't will be to
retrieve the incumbrances.

other Poems" a manuscript of the early years of the last century, in the library at Skene
House, a seat of the Earl of Fife. The same volume contains a " Satyre on the Duke of
Lawderdale, by the Earle of Aboyne."

His lordship's elder brother, the chivalrous and heroic George Lord Gordon, who fell at
Alford in 1645, (in the moment of a victory for which the great Montrose wept, as bought
too dearly with such a loss,) numbered among his many accomplishments that of writing
verses. See Lives of Scottish Poets, vol. iii., p. 130. Lond. 1822. 12mo.

Their lordships' father, George, second Marquess of Huntly, was, we are told, " a great
patron of learning and learned men. He was the author of that so pretty an energick
distich to be seen to this day on the royal palace of the Louvre at Paris :
' Non orbis gentem, non urbem gens habet ulla,
Urbsve domum, dominum, nee domus ulla parem.' "
A Concise History of the Antient and Illustrious House of Gordon. By C. A Gordon,
pp. 252, 253. Aberdeen, 1754. 8vo.]

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 39

The family of Leyes hath produced younger sons or branches
very eminent and conspicuous : Mr. Robert Burnet of Cremond,' a
good and learn'd man, and a most just judge, the noblest of com-
mendacions : Whose sons Sir Thomas Burnet,'^ a learn'd doctor of
medicine, and sincerely and seriously pious ; also Dr. Gilbert Burnet,^
Bishop of Salisbury, a most elegant and powerfull preacher ; very
frank and very plain in manners ; uncurious of politeness save in
the pulpit, harangues of parliament, and in the stile of his writings ;*

' [Born about 1592 ; named one of the Lords of Session, with the title of Lord
Crimond, in January, 1661 ; died on the twenty-fourth of August, in the same year. See
Brunton and Haig's Historical Account of the Senators of the College of Justice, pp. 373,
374. Edinb. 1832. 8vo. ; Dr. George Garden's Vita Johannis Forbcsii a Corse, §. cvi.
ap. Forbesii Opera, t. i. Amstel. 1703. fol. ; Baillie's Vita D. Thomae Cragii, p.
sviii., ap. Cragii Jus Feudale. Edinb. 1732. fol. ; Tytler's Life of Craig, pp. 159 — 164,
327—329. Edinb. 1823. 12mo; Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. i., pp. 45— 51.]

2 [Sir Thomas Burnett, M.D., physician successively, it is said, to four Sovereigns,
Charles II., James II., William III., and Queen Anne, is the author of the following
works :

1. " Thesaurus Medicinae Practicae." Lond. 1675. 4to. ; Genevae, 1678. 12mo., 1698.
4to. ; Venetiis, 1687. 12mo., 1733. 4to. ; Lugduni, 1702. 4to. ; Edinburgi, 1703. 12mo-
A translation into French appeared in 1691, in 3 vols. 8vo.

2. " Hippocrates Contractus, in quo magni Hippocratis, medicorum principis. Opera
onmia in brevem epitomen summa diligentia redacta habentur." Edinb. 1685. 8vo. ; Lug-
duni Batav. 1686. 12mo. ; Viennae, 1737. 8vo. ; Londini, 1743. 12mo., 1747. 8vo. ;
Argentorati, 1765. 8vo. A foreign critic characterises the book as " un bon abrege de
ce gu'il y a de meilleur dans les oeuvres d' Hippocrate." Biographic Universelle, tome vi.,
p. 340. Paris, 1812. 8vo.

3. " Thesauri Medicinae Practicae Breviarium ; cum Indice Remediorum quae inibi
continentur." Edinb. 1703. 8vo.

A Latin couplet in his praise is printed, from the manuscripts of Su- Robert Sibbald, in
Maidment's Analecta Scotica, vol. ii., p. 152. Edinb. 1837. 8vo.]

3 [Born in 1643 ; preferred to the see of Sarum in 1689 ; died on the seventeenth of
March, 1715. He took his master's degree in arts in Marischal College and University
in 1657. The Theses which he and his fellow graduates, (among whom was the distin-
guished James Gregory, the inventor of the reflecting telescope,) maintained, bear the
following title : " Theses Philosophicae, quas, Athenaei Mareschallani Magisterii Can-
didati, quadriennale curriculum emensi, Laurea Triumphali hac vice condecorandi, IX.
Calendas Quintileis, A. P. D. O. M. publice propugnabunt, horis et locis solitis. Praeside
Alexandre Quhyteo. Abredoniis, E Typographaeo Jacobi Broun, Urbis et Academiae
Typothetae, Ann. Aer. Christi, 1657." 4to. pp. 48.]

■1 [This was written probably before the publication of the Bishop's History of his Own

40 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

which are not a few, and like to live as long as the reform'd religion
lives in Britain, that is, to doomsday. After all these just grounds
of praise, and that his contempt of riches is now evident, having
had fair opportunities to amass vast wealth to himself and chil-
dren, (but he made a more disinterested use of those occasions,
the patrimonies of his sons and daughters being very moderate ;
his bounties to others whilst he liv'd and when he dy'd being
ample ;) yet so freakish are too many men that nothing of him, but
some less popular opinions and his plain and undissembled fashions,
hath raised against him a numerous train of maligners. However
it be, this testimony will be received as due to a countryman un-
denyably great and learn'd, and for ought known to the writer as
undenyably good. The English author of the Theory of the Earth

Times, the first volume of which appeared in 1724. Mr. Hallam has remarked that " Bur-
net's History of the Reformation is written in a better style than those who know Burnet
by his later and more negligent work are apt to conceive." Introduction to the Literature
of Europe, vol. iv., p. 605. Lond. 1839. 8vo.]

' [Thomas Burnet, D.D., Master of the Charter House, born about 1635, died in 1715.
He was born at Croft in Yorkshire, but is supposed to have been descended of a Scotish
family. (Dr. Irving's Lives of Scotish Writers, vol. ii., p. 269. Edinb. 1839. 8vo.
Maidment's Catalogues of Scotish Writers, p. 76. Edinb. 1833. 8vo.) His well-known
and very eloquent work alluded to in the text appeared first in 1681, in Latin, under
the title of " Telluris Theoria Sacra" ; afterwards in English, under the title of " Sacred
Theory of the Earth," the first part in 1684, the second in 1689.

The author has overlooked three younger sons of the house of Leys who acquired con-
siderable eminence, the second, third and fourth children of the grandfather of the first baronet.
(Douglas' Baronage of Scotland, ]>. 42. Edinb. 1798. fol.) They are thus noticed by Mr.
Thomas Middleton in his list of the " Learned Men and Writers " of Aberdeen : " There
were also three Brothers descended from a Noble Family, Duncan, Thomas, and Gilbert
Burnet, who were bred here, and were in great esteem. The first was a Doctour of Physick,
and practised in Norwich : he was a learned, holy, and good man. The second was of the same
Profession, and likewise in great esteem in Braintrey, where he practised Physick. The
third was a Professour of Philosophy, first at Basil, then at Montaubon ; and was in such
esteem there, that a National Synod of the Protestants in France appointed his Philoso-
phical Writings to be printed at the expence of the Clergy. But he dying before his Ma-
nuscripts were put in order, onely his Book of Ethicks was printed [in 12mo. at Leyden in
1649.] They all three flourished about the year 1630." Appendix to Archbishop Spot-
tiswoode's History of the Church of Scotland, p. 27. Lond. 1677. fol. See also
Maidment's Catalogues of Scotish Writers, p. 76 ; Gordon's Description of both Touns
of Aberdeen, p. 8. Spalding Club edit. Edinb. 1842.]

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 41

may likewise be of the family of Leyes. These lands of Crathes,
in this parish of Upper Banchry, lying benorth Dee, are [pro-
perly situate] in Aberdeenshire; but, as to jurisdiction, are in
the shire of Mems or Kincardine, annexed thereto by act of par-
liament, on account that the lairds of Leyes had other lands and
another residence in The Merns.

The next parish, watered by the river Dee, is Dalmaock, belong-
ing to the laird of Drum, enjoying ane antient estate, having had
ample wealth, and possessions in Angus, Banfshire, and Buchan :
all his lands are good, yielding grain of great weight. One of the
progenitors of this family, was armour bearer to King Robert
Bruce, who gave him for arms a devise which represented that
gallant King to the life, and must be acknowledged, in this more
subtile age, to have been ingeniously thought and figured. The
body of the devise was a hollin or lawrell bi-anch ; the word, or life
of that body, was, Sub sole, .sub umbra, virens ; and nothing could
be more apposite to that noble King's case. The Irvenes of Drum,
it seems, for filling up the shield, paint three separate branches, to
which the word does not so well correspond and agree ; nor is the
metaphor so just. Another of this family was one of the hostages
for King James the First ; and one of them will be mentioned in
the accompt of the battle of Harlaw in Garioch. And that laird
of Drum, who lived in our grandfathers' time, can in no wise be
omitted ; for his benignity and ample bounty to the poor, deserves
to be remembred and prais'd. He liv'd decently ; was a plain man,
nicnamed Lit/e Breeches ; increased in wealth ; bequeath'd' lands for
maintenance of poor widows, poor maids, and for the education of
several children at schools, and of young men to be taught philo-
sophy and theology.

The house of Drum is ane old Gothic building, has good gardens.
and is surrounded with wood and artificial planting. The late

' [In 1629. The deed of gift is printed in the Evidence taken by the Commissioners on
the Universities of Scotland, vol. iv., pp. 280, 281. Lond. 1837. fol. Presented to both
Houses of Parliament by command of his Majesty.]

42 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

Drum, failing his sons, of two different marriages, made ane entaill
of his estate to a gentleman of his name who married his daughter ;
who is a grandchild of the family of Huntley. They are also de-
scended of the Scrimzeors of Didup, and of the Lord Forbes's family.

Next to Dalmaock, on Dee side, lyes the parish of Peterculter,
where, on ane eminence southward, is the house and residence of
Sir Alexander Gumming of Coulter ; a new building, bare of plant-
ing. The Cummins of Coulter are, unquestionably, a small remain
of the Cummins, Earles of Buchan, who were once the power-
fullest ever Scotland saw. Buchanan, in vita Alexandri III. :
•■ Omnium prope rerum potestas, penes Cuminiorum factionem erat.
Hi. cum publicum patrimonium in suam rem verterent, imbecilliores
opprimerent, nobilium quosdam suae libidini adversos, ac liberius
de statu regni loqui ausos, confictis criminibus circumvenirent, ac
bona damnatorum in fiscum redacta, ipsi a Rege, (cui turn impera-
bant potius quam parebant,) accepta invaderent, conventu ordinuni
habito, tractatum praecipue de Anglo placando, ne tam periculoso
tempore aliquid attentaret. Id quo facilius fieret, affinitate conjun-
gendum esse. Haec ratio commodior Cuminiorum inimicis visa
est, ad eorum potentiam infringendam, quam si eos aperte oppugna-
rent." ' And again, in vita Roberti Brussii : " Sed, cum totam
gentem Cuminiam, cujus familiae potentiam nulla unquam ante,
neque postea in Scotia aequavit, haberet inimicam." *

You are now brought near Aberdeen, which shall be succinctly
describ'd.

The City of Aberdeen, named Devana by Ptolemy ; a very antient
village ; endued with Royall priviledges by King Gregory, about the
year dccclxxvii. ; encreast by the frequent progresses of our Kings,
and by a more frequent residence of King William, and adorn'd
with his palace ; taken in by Edward Langshanks ; plunder'd and
set on fire by the English, on the approach of William Wallace

• [Buchanani Rerum Sooticarum Historia, lib. vii., cap. Iviii.]
2 [/rf., lib. viii., cap. xxi.]

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 43

returning hastily southward to flght their army ; the castle left
unretaken, the garrison cut off by a combination of the citizens,
the watchword Bonaccord ; burnt to ashes in John Balliol's time :
was rebuilt in the reign of Robert Bruce, and now stands on three
hills, or riseing grounds ; the Castle hill, at the south east ; and Gal-
lowhill, at north west ; and St. Katren's hill, near the centre of the
town : Which is entred into by five' ports, pretty well kept ; two
from the south east of the Castle hill ; two from the south descent
of St. Katherine's hill ; and one from the nortliwest of the Gal-
lowhill. Although the situation of the city taketh several riseino-
grounds, yet it is easy to walk the streets ; whereof there are
eight, and several lanes. One of which streets,'* from the mentioned
northwest port, is of a pretty good length ; and is continued by
another,^ not fully so long, but of a greater breadth, and almost in
a straight line ; and which, by two small lanes,^ terminates in an
oblong square,'* beautified with two antient Gothick buildings,'^ a
curious structure of a Cross, the Town House, and a fountain play-
ing in various figures of water works. These three streets ly in a
paralell line to the adjacent sea, on the east ; and make the full

length of the town about paces. As to the breadth, it

hath one street,' and a lane' drawn in length with the former, and
lying at the south side of it ; from the head of which street, there
is another,^ turning obliquely to the south, and leading to the
churches of the town, and terminates near the Woollen-hill ; where
there is a medicinal fountain, dignified with the name of the famous
Spaw of Germany. From the end of the last raention'd straight
street, there runs another'" southward, and obliquely, leading also
to the town churches, and terininates in a pretty broad street,
lying flatt, and called The Green, the seat of the antient city :

' [The writer has overlooked one of the ports, apparently that of the Upperkirkgate.]

2 [The Gallowgate.] 3 [jhe Broadgate.]

■• [The Huxter Raw, and The Narrow Wynd.] -5 [The Castlegate.]

8 [Probably Pitlbddel's Lodging, and Marischal's Hall, are referred to.]

" [The Broadgate.] « [The Ghaist Raw,] 9 [The Upperkirkgate, and Schoolhill.]

'0 [The Netherkirkgate.]

44 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

where the river Dee receives a small rivulett, called the Denburn.
covered with a bridge of three arches.

From the end of the last mention'd lane,' there lyes a street,^
turning also obliquely southward, and leading first through a short
lane' to the Cross, and next, as St. Katren's hill declines, leading
through a pretty broad lane^ to the harbour, and terminates at a
little kirk,^ and the adjoyning palace of King William. By this
situation of the tovra, most of its houses have the conveniency, or
beauty, of a garden belonging to them ; and all the gardens of one
street,® have a small rivulet,' running in a straight line with their
walls, upon one hand, and beautified, on the opposite side, by a
thick plantation of the profitable willow ; and then, entring the town,
vaulted and built above, waters some gardens, and, besides other
advantages, aff"ords the conveniency of two corn milns, one upon
one side of the Town's Hospital ; and then falls into the river Dee,
near King William's palace. The rivuletts mentioned having for-
merly supply'd the tovra, there hath been, of late,* a very delicate
pure and light water brought into it, from a well called by the
name of Cardan ; and aflbrds such plenty, that every street hath
convenient cisterns or fountains, and every house is well furnished
for all uses, with a delightfuU drink to the sober, and with a health-
full, to those of a warmer blood.

We have walked the streets, seen the cisterns, spoken of the
gardens. Let us now look on the houses ; and they are rather conve-
nient for lodging, than stately to the sight, and the best of them
are within closses or squares ; and, therefore, let us go to its hills,
take the air, and view the adjoining country, and neighbouring sea;
and from that to its harbour and remoter walks.

It hath been told that the hills are three ; whereof two^ have

1 [The Ghaist Raw.] 2 [The Ship Raw.] 3 [The Exchequer Wynd or Raw.]

4 [The Shore Brae.] 5 [The Trinity Kirk.] « [The Gallowgate.]

7 [The Loch.] 8 [About the year 1707.]

9 [The Castle Hill; and the Callow or Port Hill, of old called the Windmill Hill, and
HedownisHill.]

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 45

given their sides of easiest ascent to be built on. The third' is
entirely within the town, and is the highest, and hath severall well
kept gardens stretching to the top of it ; which top could be more
embellished by the owners of those gardens. However, St. Katren
here offers to the beholder, the amusing sight of the river Dee, and
its beautifuU bridge, the monument of a Bishop's piety.

The Gallowhill could aftbrd a walk convenient for the inhabitants
of its street ; but, at present, it gives a full and fair prospect over
some fruitfull fields, called the King's Meadows, eastward to the
sea : and, northward, pleases the eye with the sight of Old Aberdeen,
its church and college, and of the neighbouring river Don.

The third hill is called the Castle hill, where stood the antient
Castle, whereof now nothing is to be seen, but some subterraneous
vaults ; but, instead of the old, there are the walls of a modern
square fort, both high and entire, save in two places. And this hill
atibrds two agreeable walks, one lower, and well gravelled, at the
foot of the walls ; the other higher, and green, on the top of the
terras : from both these walks there is a fair view of a large open
field, cultivate like a garden, and producing the best of herbs and
roots ; as also a view of the shipping and harbour, of the anchoring
road, and of the eastern point of the Grampian mountain.

But, being now upon this Castle hill, let us recreate a little, and
hear the relation of a very early and yet continuing custom of the
citizens, who usually go, every Sunday after sermon, streight from
the church to this walk ; few or none knowing any other ground for
their so doing, but that of ane immemorial practice ; whereas it
was at first enjoyn'd by the churchmen of the time. The occasion
was this. The English garrison being surpriz'd and mostly cutt off
by a combination of their landlords, the churchmen of those days
enjoyned, that all the citizens should every Sunday go to the
chappel of the Castle, and pray for the souls of those soldiers
they'd slain, without giving them due or even military warning to

1 [St. Katherine's Hill.]

46 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

fight or die.' And thus the custom of going every Sunday to the
Castle hill has continued for a tract of upwards of four hundred
years, though the observance of praying be obliterate and abolished.
Lest these few words should raise spleen in the biggot, or a
jealousie even of the unknowii writer, he doth affirm, upon the
sacredness of truth, that he heartily disdains all the artificiall and
avaritious projects of popery, but, again, finds neither harm nor
hazard in thinking that the article, " communion of saints," may im-
port a mutual concern betwixt the departed and those who stay a
while behind ; and, further, that serious remembrance of the dead,
according to the primitive mode, may contribute to the nourishing
our belief of immortality, and to the preventing the unmanly and
ridiculous distrust of it.

If what is last said displease, as out of the rode of a Descrip-
tion, yet may it be admitted as suteable to the purpose and promise
of giving contentment to the reader, by variegating the dryeness of
a bare and barren Description.

But to proceed. The hill having given us a sight of the har-
boui", let us walk to it, which we will find of great breadth and
length, at full sea ; and which ati:brds a most safe station to ships

' [This is a fanciful addition to tlic LeMnd of Bonaccord, as invented or told by Hector
Boece : " Eo prope teniporis Brusiani Aberdonensem arcem, quam aliquot annos maximo
cum incommodo Angli tenuerant, Aberdonensibus plurimum suppetiarum afferentibus, expug-
natam vi capiunt, caesis qui eius custodiae fuerant destinati ; ac, paulo post, ne Anglis
vllum Aberdoniae superesset refugium, omni supellectili exhaustam, solo aequarunt. Angli
amissae arcis, caesorumque contribulium, tristi nuncio affecti, coactis copiis Aberdoniam
niouent, animo acceptam iniuriam vlciscendi. Id vbi Aberdoniae nunciatum, Brusiani simul
cum ciuibus illico oppido egressi sunt cum hostibus dimicaturi. loannes Frisariu^, Brusiani
exercitus, qui tum Aberdoniae fuerat, dux, suis ita aniroos accendit ad pugnam, vt non tani
ad certamen, quam ad certani victoriam, progredi viderentur. Inita pugna acerrime est
certatum. Victoria tandem, (sed cruenta,) Scotis cessit ; Anglorum quamplurimi eo proelio
caesi, pauci viui capti, rari fugere, adeo acriter in pugna perdurarunt. Placuit victoribus,
quos captos babebant, ad terrorem, extra oppidum, furca suspendere: sed vetuere canonici,
atque vt caesorum corpora, ad posticam templi diui Nicolai, terra conderentur, apud
Frisarium, atque oppidi praefectum, obtinuerunt ; vbi eorum ossa cum titulis in rei monu-
nientum adhuc cernuntur." Episcoporum Murthlacensium et Aberdonensium per Ilectorem
Boetium Vitae, fo. vi b. E prelo Ascensiano. 1522. 4to.]

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 47

from all winds ami tempests ; and is so capacious, that, about sixty
years ago, a fair meadow of ground,' formerly within the flood mark,
was gained, by making a long and broad terras, flanked in both
sides with large and square stones ; and the harbour thereby no-
thing entrenched upon, but bettered. And this terras gives the
citizens the warmest and driest walk, in winter, and the coolest
and most beautifull, in summer ; having the water and ships, on one
hand, and a very flowery meadow, planted with willows, on the
other ; and, likewise, leads to another agreeable moi-e solitary walk,
called the Carpet Walk, from the softness and thickness of the
wreathed green moss with which it is overspread.

It might be reckoned a piece of ingratitude in one, to have had
his harmless youthfull pastimes here, yet to forgett, or not to mention,
what is adjoyning to this Carpett Walk. It is a smooth dry field,'
stretching in length almost betwixt the mouths of the two rivers
Dee and Don ; and sheltered, on the sea side, by a mighty number
of downs, covered with a strong greenish plant called bent ; and
beautified, on the city side, with a well cultivated ground sur-
rounded with a plantation of willows. The one end of which field,
aflbrds a healthfull summer recreation of short bowls ; and the other
end, the like healthfull winter recreation of the gowlf ball ; and, all
the year round' a pasture for fattening of mutton, and bringing forth
early lambs : so carefull hath nature been, that the inhabitants of
this city should have a convenient intermixture of profit and
pleasure.

Let us hear, next, what the art and industry of the citizens has
done.

The trade of this city consists, mostly, in export, and that of most
valuable goods ; the import being small, as to a country almost self
sufiicient, and needing but little : iron, from the Baltick ; timber and
tarr, fi-om Norway : Whereas its export is, woollen and linnen cloth ;
stockens of great fineness f grain ; oatmeal ; plenty of sea anil river

1 [Between Virginia Street and the Regent Quay.] - [The Links.]

3 [A writer on the trade of Scotland in the last century, commemorates " the fine pair

48 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

fishes, all well and skillfully cured ; besides salt beef, pork, tallow,
and furs.

No city in Scotland sent to the sea, ships and cargoes of greater
value, and brought home more money in returns ; so that the loss of
one ship brings more dammage to Aberdeen, than the loss of ten
ships would do, to other towns.

The beauty, the pleasures, the profites, of this city, are men-
tioned : its piety comes, next, to be considered. The churches, here,
are foirly built of cut stone, brought from a distance ; curiously
leaded on the roof, and cleanly and carefully kept within ; not dark
as in Italy, but lightsome as if all their walls were. glass.

Though many worthy men ly buried in the church and church-
yard, yet there are but few monuments at their graves. Perhaps,
they have not affected to become great by being buried ; but have
rather despised such remembrances, as knowing that, Qunndoqiddem
data sunt ipsis quoque fata sepulchris.

Nor hath the city affected great state, but rather a convenient
accommodation, for the poor ; whereof a good number, of both sexes
and ages, are well entertained. The publick hospitals are two : one,
for decayed merchants ; another, for the trades.

All the ministers of this city, have still had the repvitation of
being eminent preachers, and very exemplary for tiieir piety, and a
strict regularity of manners ; and continuing so without interrup-
tion to this day, from the first reforming minister, Adam Hariot:'

of stockings [of Shetland wool] made a present of to Marshal Keith by the Magistrates of
Aberdeen, and from him to the Empress of Russia, valued at Jive guineas." Loch's Essays on
the Tradeand Fisheries of Scotland, vol. 1., pp. 170, 171. Edinb. 1778. 12mo. An author,
quoted by Kennedy, adds, that " they were knitted by a lady in town, of such fineness,
that, although of the largest size, they could easily be drawn through an ordinary thumb
ring." The same writer informs us, that " The Earl of Aberdeen, in 1707, purchased a
pair of the same kind of stockings, in the town, for which he ])aid one guinea. About the
year 1733, Lady Mary Drummond, daughter of the Duke of Perth, had spun, from Scottish
wool, three pairs of knitted gloves, or niits, which were estimated at three guineas each
pair." Kennedy's Annals of Aberdeen, vol. ii., p. 199, note. Lond. 1818. 4to.]

1 [Born in 1514; died on the twenty-eighth of August, 1574. A brief memoir of him
is given in Archbishop Spottiswode's History of the Church of Scotland, p. 274, edit.

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 49

Who had been a friar of the order of St. Augustine, and was one
of the ten or twelve preachers who, in the year mdlx., were sent and
settled to propagate the reformed religion over all Scotland. And,
as this first was a good and learned man, so all who succeeded him
have been since ; ' and some of them have left monuments of their
learning, famed over all Christeudome : Dr. William Forbes,^ mi-
nister of this city, and the first Bishop of Edinburgh : and Dr.
Baron, minister and professor of theologie here ; of both whom
ane ingenious poet hath left this epigram :

" De Gulielino Forbesio et Roberto Baroniu, Theologis Ahredonensibus.

" Nil, quod Forbesio, Christi dum pascit ovile,
Nil, quod Baronio comparet, orbis habet.
Eloquio sunt ambo pares : discrimen in uno est ;
Quo lubet, hie mentes pellicit, ille rapit." ^

Dr. William Forbes, in his book eutituled, " Considerationes

1677. The reader may be referred also to The Book of Bon-Accord, p 46. Aberdeen,
1839. 18mo.]

1 [The following anecdotes are recorded of one of Heriot's earlier successors, one of the
ministers at the church of St. Nicholas, from 1605 to 1614 : " Mr. John M'Birnie, minister
at Aberdeen. I heard the Lady Culross say, he was a godly, zealous, and painfull preacher ;
and that he used always, when he rode, to have two Bibles hanging at a lether girdle about
his middle, the one originall, the other English, as also a little sand-glass in a brazen case :
And, being alone, read or meditated or prayed ; and, if any company were with him, he
would read and speak from the Word to them : And that, when he died, he called his wife
and told her he had no outward means to leave her, or his only daughter, but that he had
gott good assurance that the Lord would provide for them ; and that, accordingly, the day
he was buried, the magistrats of the toun came to the house, after the buriall, and brought
two subscribed papers, one of a competent mantenance to his wife during her life, another
of a provision for his daughter." Some Sayings or Observations of Mr. John Livingstone,
late minister of the gospell at Ancrum, pp. i\, 25. MS. Advocates' Library.

It appears from the Council Registers of Aberdeen (vol. li., p. 59) that the corporation
voluntarily gave a thousand merks for the support of MacBirnie's widow and children.]

2 [Born in 1585 ; appointed principal of Marischal College in 1618, consecrated Bishop
of Edinburgh in 1634 ; died on the eleventh of April m the same year. See Gordon's Me-
moirs of Scots Affairs, vol. iii., pp. 241— 243, note. Spalding Club edit. Aberdeen, 1841.
4to.]

' [Artvri lonstoni Scoti Medici Regij Poemata Omnia, p. 363. Middelh. Zeland., 1642.
8vo.]

50 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

Modestae et Pacificae,'" by yielding a little to his adversaries, hath
uncontestably overcome them : It is true they again overcame his
son, called Seigneur Thomasio, who, for being ane excellent secretary
to Cardinal Barbarini, advanc'd no farther.

Dr. Baron- managed a religious war with Turnbull, of which Dr.
Arthur Johnston has the following epigram :

" De diatriba Roberti Baronii D. Theologi adversus Trumbtdlium.

" En sacra Baronius niovet et Trumbullius arma,

Pene sub Icariis natus utei'que rotis.
Ambo sacerdotes, divinae Palladis ambo

Artibus, et calami dexteritate pares.
Hoc discrimen habes ; magno nioliraiiie causam

Hie agit Ausonii Praesulis, ille Dei." '

Baron hath written metaphysicks, highly and justly esteemed in
forreign universities. They are not so laboriously large as those of
Swarez, but as exact and subtile.

As Baron managed the above war with Turnbull, so did his suc-
cessor, Mr. John Menzies, manage the like with Father Cosne, and
hath left two writings on the subject, " Papismus Lucifugus'V and

' [" Considerationes Modestae et Pacificae Controversiarum de Justificatione, Purgatorio,
Invocatione Sanctorum et Cliristo Mediatore, Eucharistia. Per Gulielraum Forbesium,
S. T. D. et Episcopum Edinburgensem Primuni. Opus Posthuroum, diu desideratum."
Londini, 1658, 8vo. ; Helmstadii, 1704; Francofurti ad Moenum, 1707.]

2 [Appointed one of the ministers in tlie church of St. Nicholas at Aberdeen in 16ii4 ;
nominated to the see of Orliney in 1639 ; died in the same year. A brief memoir of Baron,
and a catalogue of his works, will be found in Gordon's Memoirs of Scots Affairs, vol. iii.,
pp. •235—238, note, and pp. 89, 90.]

3 [Artvri lonstoni Poemata Omnia, p. 376.]

■• [" Pa])ismus Lucifugus, or A faithfull Copie of the Papers exchanged betwixt Mr. John
Menzeis, Professor of Divinity in the Marischal-Colledge of Aberdene, and Mr. Francis
Dempster lesuit, otherwise sirnamed Rin or Logan. Wherein the lesuit declines to have
the truth of Religion examined, either by Scripture or Antiquity, though frequently ap-
pealed thereunto. As also. Sundry of the chief Points of the Popish Religion are demon-
strated to be repugnant both to Scripture and Antiquity, yea, to the ancient Romish-
Church. To all which is premised in the Dedication a true Narration of a verball Con-
ference with the same lesuit. Aberdene, Printed by lohn Forbes Younger, Printer to the
Town. Anno Dom. M.DC.LXVIII." 4to., pp. 272 and xxxvi.

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 51

" Roma Mendax."' He could have oblig'd the learn'd abroad \>j
publishing his writings in a more universall language, which he
spoke elegantly, and as fluently as his mother tongue ; but the
man's modesty thought it without his sphere, to guard others than
those of Great Britain from errors.^

The volume is dedicated to the lord provost and council of the city of Aberdeen, at
whose charge it was printed. (Aberdeen Council Register, vol. Iv., p. 85.) An answer to
the treatise, it appears, was published at the time by a member of the church of Rome.]

' [" Roma Mendax : or the Falshood of Romes high pretences to Infallibility and Anti-
quity evicted. In confutation of an Anonymous Popish Pamphlet undertaking the defence
of Mr. Dempster Jesuit. By John Mcnzeis Professor of Divinity in Aberdene. London,
Printed for Abel Roper, at the sign of the Sun over against St. Dunstanes Church in Fleet-
Street, 1675." 4to., pp. 388 and xvi.

The work is inscribed to Arthur first Earl of Anglesey, Lord Privy Seal. A copy of
verses addressed " D. Johanni Mennesio theologo x\bredonensi, cum librum edidisset cui
titulus Roma Mendax," may be seen in " Epigrammatum Libri Octo. Auctorc Niniano
Patersono Glascuensi," lib. iii., epig. xxiv., p. 72. Edinb. 1678. 8vo. An answer to
Menzies' work appeared under the title of " Scolding no Scholarship in the Abyss ; or
Groundless Grounds of the Protestant Religion as holden out by Mr. Menzies in his brawl-
ings against Mr. Dempster. 1379." The controversy is thus alluded to by Samuel
Colville, a contemporary versifier,

" But who reason in generals,
Th' argument contentions and brawls.
They bring but bout-gates and golinzies.
Like Dempster disputing with Menzies."
The Whig's Supplication, part ii., v. 865., p. 124 , edit. St Andrews, 1796. 12mo.]

- [ John Menzies was descended of the ancient house of Pitfoddels. (Maidment's Catalogues
of Scotish Writers, p. 119.) He was born in the year 1624. In 1647, he was appointed
one of the ministers in the parish church of St. Nicholas in Aberdeen ; and in 1649, he be-
came professor of divinity in the Marischal College. "Since I was 16 years of age, to this
day," he writes in 1675, " I have Hved a collegiate life, as a regent of philcsophy, mi-
nister and professor of divinity." (Roma Mendax, pp. 387, 388.) He died on the first of
February, 1684, and was buried in the churchyard of St, Nicholas at Aberdeen. The in-
scription on his tomb-stone is printed in Monteith's Theater of Mortality. By his wife,
Margaret eldest daughter of Sir William Forbes first baronet of Craigievar, he had a son
John who predeceased him. (Lumsden's Genealogy of the Family of Forbes, p. 22. In-
verness, 1819. 8vo.)

Menzies, according to his contemporaries, was in succession a " Papist," a " Presby-
terian," an " Independent," an " Anabaptist," and an " Episcopalian." See Wodrow's
Analecta, vol. i., p. 170. Printed for the Maitland Club, 1842, 4to. ; Diary of Alex-
ander JaflSray, Provost of Aberdeen, pp. 193—198. Lond. 1833. 8vo. ; The Chronicle

52 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

Also, Mr. John Barclay, a very good man and good preacher
here, hath published a poem called " The Dream,"' wherein he
paints popery in such true colours, and so natively, as discovers its
darkness, and imprints the idea of its fowlness and avarice.

The authors of " The Replies and Duplies"'^ were the Doctors of

of Fife, being tlie Diary of John Lamont of Newton, p. 58. Edinb. 1810. 4to. ; Principal
Baillie's Letters and Journals, vol. iii., pp. 243, 282, 364. Edinb. 1842. 8vo. ; Wodrow's
History of tlie Sufferings of the Church of Scotland, vol. i., p. 313. Glasgow, 1829. 8vo.
On his death-bed, according to the author last cited, he said that " he was much troubled in
spirit, and under great perplexities, for a course of defection he had been guilty of through-
out his life." (Id. vol. iii., pp. 310, 311.)

Besides the works enumerated in the preceding notes, Menzies was the author of a " Ser-
mon preached at the Funeral of Sir Alexander Fraiser of Doores, Knight and Baronet, prin-
cipal Physician to the King of Great Britain. With two poems by J[ohn] B[arclay]."
Edinb. 1681. 4to. There is also ascribed to him " A Sermon on his Majestie's Arrival
and Restoration to his Governement. Aberdene, 1660." 4to.

Wodrow describes him as " a very great, pious and most learned man, well seen in the

Popish and Arminian controversy Mr. Mitchell, (his brother-in-law,) told me he was

very fervent in his way of preaching, so that, after his coming home, he was necessitate to
change his shirt." (Analecta, vol. vi. pp. 263 — 265. MS. Advocates' Library.) Elsewhere
Wodrow, on the authority of the same correspondent, says, " He was a man most fervent in
preaching, and used to change his shirt aluise after preaching, and to weet two or three
napkins with tears every sermon." (Analecta, vol. i., p. 269. Maitland Club edit.) It is
recorded, in praise of another minister of that age, (James Forbes at Abercorn, one of the
sons of the well known John Forbes at Alford,) that he was "ane able and zealous preacher,
who after every sermon behoved to change his shirt ; he spoke with such vehemency and
sweating." (Some Sayings or Observations of Mr. John Livingstone, pp. 82, 83. MS.)

' [" A Description of the Roman Catholick Church. Wherein The Pretensions of its
Head, The Manners of his Court, The Principles and Doctrines, The Worshi|) and Service,
The Religious Orders and Houses, The Designs and Practices of that Church, are repre-
sented in a Vision. By John Barclay, minister at Cruden. Written in the year 1679.
Edmburgh, Printed in the Year M.DC. LXXXIX ; and reprinted by T. Lumisden and J.
Robertson, M.DCC.XLI." 8vo., pp. 60.

The author was for some years one of the teachers in the grammar school of Aberdeen.
(Maidment's Catalogues of Scotish Writers, p. 122.) He left several copies of fugitive
verses, and is the author of the translations of Dr. Arthur Johnstone's Epigrams on the
burghs of Scotland, printed in Bailie Alexander Skene's " Memorialls for the Government
of the Royall-Burghs in Scotland." Aberdeen, 1685. 8vo.]

2 [" Generall Demands concerning the Late Covenant ; Propounded by the Ministers
and Professors of Divinity in Aberdene, to some reverend brethren, who came thither to re-
commend the late Covenant to them, and to those who are committed to their charge ;

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 53

Aberdeen.' Though these, there writings, were much and deservedly
esteemed, yet they made no proselytes of kirkmen.

They who turn'd them out, and succeeded them, wanted not learn-
ing and judgement to influence ; and the name of Mr. Andrew Cant'

Together with the Answeres of those reverend bretheren to the said Demands ; As also,
The lleplyes of the foresayd Ministers and Professors to their Answeres. Aberdene, Re-
printed by John Forbes, Anno Doin. lGG-2." 4to., pp. 168. See a note on this work
in Gordon's Memoirs of Scots Afiairs, vol. i., pp. 9, 10.

In the " diocesianc synod of Aberdene," held on the twenty-seventh of October, 1663,
the following ordinance was passed " anent John Forbes stationer :" " It is recomendit be the
Bishope to the haill brethcrine of the synod, That they buy frome Johne Forbes stationer
The Queries, Replyis and Duplyes of the Doctoris of Aberdene and Professoris of Divinitie
ther, at the pryce of ifyfteene shillingis Scottis money, the peece : As also, it is thocht fitt
that the Dechnator of the Bishojies at the pretended assemblie in Glasgow be printed and
bought by the haill bretherine of the synode." MS. Registers of the Synod of Aber-
deen, vol. ii., p. 16. The ordinance was re-enacted on the eighteenth of October 1664.
Id., p. 35.]

1 [Notices of the Doctors of Aberdeen will be found in Gordon's Memoirs of Scots Af-
fairs, where also the testimonies of the learned in favour of their writings are collected,
vol. iii., pp. 240, 244, note.']

' [Born in 1584 ; appointed one of the ministers of Aberdeen in 1641 ; deposed from
that office in 1661 ; died on the thirtieth of April 1663. A memoir of him is given in a
work entitled " Dcliciae Literariae : A New Volume of Table Talk," pp. 17 — 27. Lond.
1840. ISrao. Livingstone says of him that he was " one who preached with great autho-
rity, and spared not to deliver the whole counsell of God before King or state." Sayings
or Observations, pp. 44, 45, MS.

" He was," says Wodrow, " singularly usefull at Aberdeen, and, the multitudes wer
soe great, he frequently preached at the great square at the Crosse of Aberdeen. One
day, in time of preaching, some body or other thren a dead corby [a raven or crow] at him !
He stoped a litle, and said, ' I knou not who this is who has done this open affront ; but be
what they will, I am much mistaken if there be not as many gazing on him at his death as
there ai-c here this day !' Which fell out in some years. The man was taken up for rob-
bing, or some crime, and execute in the Grasse merkat at Edial)urgh, with aboundance of
on-lookers. ' He that dispiseth yon, dispiseth me.' " Wodrow's Analecta, vol. ii., pp.
155. Printed for the Maitland Club.

" Mr. David Lyell," says the same credulous author, " was formerly a presbyterian
minister, and was ordained by the presbytery ol' Aberdeen ; Mr. Andreu Cant being at that
time moderator. He, afterwards, complyed with Eiiiscopacy, and was the man who intimated
the sentence of Mr. Andreu Cant's deposition, who was present in the church hearing him.
And immediately after he had done it, it's said Mr. Cant should have spoken publickly to him
in the church in these words, ' Davie ! Davie ! I kent ay you wad doe this, since the day I

54 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

is like to live long here. He was, certainly, a man blameless in
his morals, and judicious ; and his pictures, carefully kept by some,
show him to have been capable of forming projects, and of pro-
moting what he projected ; there being a sedateness and vigour in
his looks. Complexion contributes to form parties ; and, when once
formed and earnestly mantained, what was originally complexion,
does, really, though imawares, become a principle, and takes the
name of conscience or religion.

This place hath given famous physicians, mathematicians, poets,
painters :

The Doctors Johnstouns, Arthur,' and William, both of them
sufficiently skilled and successful in medicine : Also, Dr. LiddeU,'
who published ane accurate writing in his professed science, but
not like to live long, through the fault of the printer.^

lyed my hands on your head !' He was, afterward, minister of Montrose ; had a thundering
way of preaching ; and dyed, at Montrose, about ten or eleven years agoe. It's said that
some days before his death, as he was walking in the Links, about the twilight, at a pretty
distance from the town, he espyed as it wer a woman, all in white, standing not far from him,
who immediately disappeared ; and he comming up presently to the place, saw nae person
there, though the Links be very plain . Only, casting his eye on the place where shee
stood, he saw tuo words drawn or written as it had been with a staff upon the sand, ' sen-
tenced AND CONDEMNED !' upon which he came home pensive and melancholy, and in a
litle sickens and dyes. What to make of this, or what truth is in it, I cannot tell ; only I
had it from a minister who lives nigh to Montrose, Mr. J. G." Id. vol. i., p. lOL See
also, vol. ii., pp. 161, 162, 374.]

' [Born in 158" ; died in 1641. His biography has been often written. The reader
may be referred to a memoir of him in Dr. Irving's Lives of Scotish Writers, vol. ii., pp.
26 — 42. A notice of his younger brother. Dr. William Johnstone, (who died in 1640,)
the first Professor of Mathematics in Marischal College, wM be found in Gordon's Me-
moirs of Scots Affairs, vol. iii., pp. 209, 210. Among the MSS. in the library of Maris-
chal College, is " Gulielmi Johnstoni Praelectiones Mathematicae dictatae in Academia
Marischallana, 1633."]

2 [Born in 1561 ; died on the seventeenth of December 1613. The late Professor John
Stuart of Marischal College wrote an elaborate memoir of this learned physician : " A
Sketch of the Life of Dr. Duncan Liddel, of Aberdeen, Professor of Mathematics and of
Medicine in the University of Helmstadt." Aberdeen, 1790. 4to. pp. 16. A memoir of
Liddell will be found also in Dr. Irving's Lives of Scotish Writers, vol. i., pp. 275 — 290.]

s [The author, probably, alludes to Dr. Liddell's " Ars Medica, succincte et per-

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 55

The Gregories,' known to all the learn'd world for profound skill
in mathematicks, were natives of this shire ; and their mathematical
genius is reckoned to have sprung from a citizen here, David An-
derson, of whom they are descended hy the mother ; and whose
mechanical genius perforni'd such things as got for him the name
of " Davie do all things." -

Dr. Arthur Johnstoun, already nam'd, was ane excellent poet.
He paraphrased the Psalms of David, and the Song of Solomon,
and wrote many i-ecreating poems : of whom Gruterus says,

" Emicuit solio maiestas digna Prophetae,

Sparsit Apollineas cum Buchananus opes :

spicue explicata," published at Hamburg in 1607. This edition is described by a subse-
quent editor as very defective and inaccurate : " habes enim ilium non truncura, non
confusum, non lacerum, queniadmodum nuper dum prodiret sub typis Hamburgensibus ; sed
integrum, defaecatum, notatiunculis aliquot marginalibus illustratum, omnis xra^ia; exortem,
succi medici vndique plenum ct in ununi corpus redactum." (Dvncani Liddelii Scoti me-
dici clarissimi, Operum omnium latro-Galenicorum, ex intimis artis medicae adytis, et pene-
tralibus erutorum, Tomvs Vnicus. Opera et studioLvdovici Serrani D. Medici Lugdunensis.
Lvgdvni, 1624. 4to.) Serranus himself has mistaken the Christian name of the author
for his sirname.]

' [James Gregory, (son of John Gregory, parson of Drumoak,) inventor of one of the
forms of the reflecting telescope, and Professor of Mathematics in the University of Edin-
burgh ; born in November, 1638; died at Edinburgh in October, 1675.

Dr. David Gregory, (nephew of the former, eldest son of David Gregory of Kinairdie,)
Savilian Professor of Astronomy in the University of Oxford; born in 1661 ; died in 1710.

James Gregory, (brother of the preceding,) Professor of Mathematics in the University
of Edinburgh from 1691 to 1725.

Charles Gregory, (brother of the preceding,) Professor of Mathematics in the University
of St. Andrews from 1707 to 1739.

An interesting account of the Gregories, (a family of which it is the almost pecu-
liar distinction, that for two centuries genius has been hereditary in it,) is given in
Button's Mathematical Dictionary, vol. 1., p. 601. Lond. 1815. 4to. Materials for this
memoir were derived from the manuscripts of Dr. Thomas Reid, the celebrated author of
the " Enquiry into the Human Mind," who was himself descended from this memorable
family : for " to the other monuments," says Dugald Stewart, " which illustrate the race
of the Gregorys, is to be added the philosophy of B.eid.'" (Biographical Memoirs of Drs.
Smith, Robertson, and Reid, p. 404. Edinb., 1811. 4to.) The reader may consult also
a memoir of Dr. David Gregory in Dr. Irving's Lives of Scotish Writers, vol. ii., pp.
239—267.]

2 [See the Book of Bon- Accord, pp. 279, 280.]

56 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

Nunc agili lonston vrget vestigia plectro,
Et vegeta scriptor cum brevitate placet." '

Also, David Wedderburn," teacher of the Graramer School here,
and author of a Gramraer, entertains [with him] ane alternate
song, who, speaking of Buchanan, had said,

" Credere fas iion est, numina posse mori ;"

to which Wedderburn replies,

" Si, lonstone, tibi est Buchananus numen, ab Arcto,
Scotia, te nato, numina plura dedit." '

Also, Mr. John Forbes, Professor of Humanity, and master of
the [Grammar] School,*' was capable of great performances in
poetrie, if he had applied.'* There are of his poems extant, worthy
of preserving : what he did of that kind was as easy to him as
Ovid, who said of himself,

" Sponte sua numeros carmen veniebat ad aptos,
Et, quod tentabam dicere, versus erat." ^

There are pieces of [George] Jameson's painting of great value,
some carried over to France and Italy, and esteem'd there. '

• [Art. lonstoni Poemata Omnia, p. 7. The testimonies of tlie learned in favour of Dr.
Arthur Johnstone have been collected by the unfortunate Lauder in his preface to the Poe-
tarum Scotorum Musae Sacrae, pp. xxix — xxxiii. Edinb. 1739.]

2 [The editor has attempted to supply a memoir of Wedderburnc, in a note which will
be found below, pp. 60 — 66.]
' [Art. lonstoni Poemata Omnia, pp. 401, 402.]

* [From June 1663 to February 1670. Aberdeen Council Register, vol. liv., p. 447 ;
vol. Iv., p. 202.]

6 [" Mr. John Forbes, of the house of Camphill, was Professour of Humanity in the
Marisball CoUedge. He wrote several Poems. He was a great critick, and in the Latine
he was eloquentissimus." Maidment's Catalogues of Scotish Writers, p. 122.]
6 [Ovid. Trist. lib. iv. cleg. x. v. 25.

" As yet a child, nor yet a fool to fame,
I lisp'd in numbers, for the numbers came."

Pope, Prologue to the Satires.]
' [George Jamesone, the " Scotish Vandyke" as Walpole has styled him, was bom at

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 57

Music' here is much in vogue, and many citizens sing charmingly.
The well known AbeP was a native of this place, and his kindred

Aberdeen about the year 1587, and died at Edinburgh in 1644. Reference may be made
to Dalloway's edition of Walpole's Anecdotes of Painting ; Pinkerton's Iconographia Sco-
tica, Lond. 1797; Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xix., pp. 2'28— 233; Chambers'
Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Scotsmen, vol. iii., pp. 241—247. Glasg. 1835. Svo. ;
Cunningham's Lives of British Painters, vol. v., pp. 1—31; The Book of Bon-Accord, pp.
134—140; Maidmcnfs Analecta Scotica, vol. i., pp. 289— 293. It may be added, that
from one of the poems of his friend David Wedderburne, it appears that Jamesone's pencil
was employed in the decorations of the splendid pageant which greeted the visit of King
Charles I. to his northern capital in 1603 :

" Eccc lamesoni tabulara pictoris ! ab alto

Sanguine Fergus! proavos per stemmata pictos."
Vivat Rex, p. 4. Abred. 1633.]

' [For proofs of the great celebrity which Aberdeen so long possessed as a school of
music, see passim Mr. Dauney's Ancient Scotish Melodies, Ediiib. 1838. 4to.]

2 [Of the person here alluded to the following account is given by Sir John Hawkins :
" John Aeell, one of the chapel in the reign of ICing Charles II., was celebrated for
a fine counter-tenor voice, and for his skill on the lute. The king admired his singing, and
had formed a resolution to send him, together with the sub-dean of his chapel, Mr. Gostling,
to the Cai-nival at Venice, in order to show the Italians what good voices were produced in
England ; but the latter signifying an unwillingness to go, the king desisted from his pur-
pose, lie continued in the chapel till the time of the revolution, when he was discharged
as being a papist. Upon this lie went abroad, and distinguished himself by singing in pub-
lic in Holland, at Hamburg, and other places, where, acquiring considerable sums of money,
he lived profusely, and affected the expenco of a man of quality, moving about in an equi-
page of liis own ; thongli, at intervals, he was so reduced as to be obliged to travel with his
lute slung at his back, through whole provinces. In rambling, he got as far as Poland, and
upon his arrival at Warsaw, the king, liaving notice of it, sent for him to his court. Abell
made some slight excuse to avoid going ; but upon being told that he had everything to
fear from the king's resentment, he made an apology, and received a command to attend the
king next day. Upon his arrival at the palace, lie was seated in a chair in the middle of
a spacious hall, and immediately rh-awn up to a great height : presently the king with his
attendants appeiu-ed in ;i gallery opposite to hira, and at the same instant a number of wild
bears were turned in ; the king bade him then chusc whether ho would sing, or be let down
among the bears ; Abell chose the former, and declared afterwards tliat he never sung so
well in his life. This lact is alluded to in a letter from Pomigny do Auvergne to Mr.
Abell of London, singing master, among the letters from the dead to the living in the works
of Mr. Thomas Brown, vol. ii., page 189.*

** • Id this letter are many intimations that Abell was a man of intrigue ; there are in it also allusions to
some facts not particularly mentioned, as that the King of France presented him with a valuable diamond for

58 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

are known by the name Eball ; and, it is said, there are others as
good as he.

The citizens here have been reckoned courteous and liberal, it
having been said of them,

" Hospita gens haec est et comis et aemula Diviim,
Quaeque regunt alios, huie fauiulantur opes." '

Having spoken of the men, it would be a crime not to name the
gentler sex. They brought us into the world, and kindly and
carefully nourished us. The women of this town are virtuous,
sober, frugall, and industrious ; never going abroad, but to perform
the offices of benignity and friendship ; never seen from the win-
dows ; still employing themselves, diligently, about the needs of the
family. And it is but just to say of them, that they deserve to be

" Mattheson in his Vollkommenen Capellmeister takes notice of Abell, and says that he
sung in Holland, and at Hamburg, with great applause. He adds that he was possessed of
some secrets, by which he preserved the natural tone of his voice to an extreme old age.

" About the latter end of Queen Ann's reign, Abell was at Cambridge with his lute,
but he met there with poor encouragement. How long he lived afterwards is not known,
but the account of his death was communicated to the gentleman who furnished many of
the above particulars by one, who, having known him in his prosperity, assisted him in his
old age, and was at the expence of his funeral.

" After having rambled abroad for many years, it seems that Abell returned to England,
for in 1701 he published, at London, a collection of songs in several languages, with a de-
dication to King William, wherein he expresses a grateful sense of his Majesty's favours
abroad, and more especially of his great clemency in permitting his return to his native
country. In this collection is a song of Prior, ' Reading ends in melancholy,' published
among his posthumous works, and there said to have been set by Mr. Abell. Mention is
made in the Catalogue of Estienne Roger of Amsterdam, of a work of Abell, entitled
• Les Airs d' Abell pour le Concert du DuoUe;' and in the ' Pills to purge Melancholy,'
vol. iv., are two songs, set by Abell to very elegant tunes." Hawkins on Music, vol. iv.,
pp. 443—6.]

' [Art. lonstoni Poemata Omnia, p. 440.]

singing before him, which was stole from him by an Irishman ; and that he received a sum of money from
the Elector of Bavaria for some particular purpose, and went off with it ; and in Abell's answer, he is made
to confess the fact, by his apology that it was but spoiling the Kgyptians. In another letter of the same
person from Henry Purcell to Dr. Blow, Abell is celebrated as a fine singer. Brown's Works, vol. 2, page
297."

DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

praised for much more than the only virtue which Anacreon as-
cribes to the women of his town, to wit, beauty :

" Tvvai^lv ovK €T et)^€if-
Tt ovv didoio-c ; KoXXoff.

They have also modesty, chastity, piety, vdthout which beauty
becomes the object of contempt, and not a title of praise ; and
thus, since all kind of virtue is a la mode here amongst the women,
they who, in this city, are not virtuous, are really out of fashion.

Caetera desiderantur.

NOTICE OF DAVID WEDDERBURNE.'

[DAvrD Wedderecune, M. a., a scholar and teacher of no mean reputation in his
own time, and still remembered among the more successful cultivators of Latin verse
in Scotland during the seventeenth century, Wiis born at Aberdeen in the summer of
1580. His parents, M'illiam Weddorburne and Marjorie Annand, were married in July
1578, and had, beside the poet, two sons and three daughters. His father died in June
1620; his mother in March 16G5 : both were "buried in the auld kirk," (Registers of
Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials, in the archives of the city of Aljcrdeen.)

Wedderburne studied Latin in the Grammar School of his native city, where he had, for
his master, Thomas Cargill,^ a preceptor of considerable celebrity, and, for his condisciple,
the more widelj' famous Thomas Dempster. (T. Derapsteri Historia Ecdesiastica Gentis
Scotorum, pp. 173, 671, edit. Edinb. 1829. 2 tom. 4to. ; Dr. Irving's Lives of Scotish
Writers, vol i., pp. 323, 347, 34S.) It does not appear in which of the universities of
Aberdeen he look his master's degree in ai'ts.

In February 1G02, on tlie death of Cargill, Wedderburne and Thomas Ueid, (afterwards
the well-known Latin Secretary to King James VI.,) " cller dew tryidl and cxaminatioun,
hed be publict teiching, in audience of the provest baillies consell and Icirnit men bciiiixt
the tua tounis, on oratorio and poesie, and be compositionn in prose and verse, be the space of
four daycs," were appointed " coequall and coniunct raaisteris of the Grammar School of
the burght, for instructioun of the youth in the airt of grammer gnde letteris and maneris,
as becumis thame of thair offices, quhill the Feist of Candilmes nixt to cum, in the yeir of
God j"- sex hnndreth and thrie yeiris." (Aberdeen Council Register, vol. xl., pp. 409,
410.) In April 1603, Wedderburne appeared before the town council, " and dcclairit, that
he being vrgit and burdenit be the lait provinciall assemblie of the ministrie, hauldin at
this burght, to accciit vpon him the fuiictioun of ane minister of Goddis word, wcs resoluit
to enter in the said functioun, and obey God calling him thairto be the said assemblie,
and to leawe and desert the said school.'' {Id. vol. xli., p. 90.) He, therefore, craved
leave to give up his office, and his request was granted ; the council, in the meantime,
ordaining " Maister Tliomas Reid, the vther of the maisteris of the said schooll, who
wes coequall and coniunct thairin with the said Maister Dauid, to continew in exercing
of the said office be himseltf allane, and his doctouris and vnder teacharis, quhill the

1 Referred to above, p. 56, note 2.

2 Some of CargiU's compositions are preserved among Drummond of Hawthornden's MS9. in the library
of tile Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Pan of a Latin poem addressed by him to the founder of The
Marischal College, is cited in the " Oratio Fvnebris, in obitum maximi virorum Georgii Marischalli
Comitis, &c,, Academiae Mariscliallanae, Ahredoniae, Fvndatoris, scripta, et pronuntiata a Gvlielmo
Ogstono, Philosopliiae Moralis ibidem Profcssore, &c. pp. 14, 15. Ahredoniae, Excvdebat Edvardvs
Rabanvs, Academiae Typographvs. 1G23.'' 4to. It appears from the Aberdeen Council Register that
Cargill wrote a tract on the Gowrie conspiracy.

MJbMOIR OF DAVID WEDDERBURNE. 61

counsall be larder advysit." {Ibid.) But in the month of September, in the same year,
Wedderburne, " now being otherwayes resoluit not to leaue his said office to be ane
of the maisteris of the said schoole, but being willing to continew in the said office with Mr.
Thomas Reid the vther maister his college, cravit thairfor to be reponit." (Id., p. 351.)
The council acceded to his request. A few days after, on the twelfth of October, Reid
appeai-ed before the council, " and, being resoluit to leaue the said office, and to enter
to be ane of the regentis of the college laitlie erectit in the burght," craved leave " to de-
mit the said office, and to enter to the vther functioun." Wedderburne was in consequence
" admittit to be full maister of the Grammer School be him selff allane without any college
or coequell maister with him." (Id., p. 415.) He continued in the office until the eighth
of July, 1640 ; when, " in regaird of his old aige and inhabilitie of bodie," he finally resigned
it, subscribing the minute of his demission, " M. David Wedderburne, sexagenarius et
vltra." {Id., vol. Hi., p. 557.) The council " havand respect that he had served fourtie
yeires in that statioun with commoun applaus' both of the councell and communitie of this
burghe, and lyikwayes be reasone he hes the burdene of a wyif and childrene, gevis and
grantis to him ane pensioun of twa hundrethe merkis money yeirly, during all the dayes
of his lyftyme." (Id., p. 558.)

He did not long survive to cumber the bounty of the " brave town." He died
in February 1646. He was twice married ; firstly, in April 1611, to Janet Johnstoun, who
died in October 1613 ; secondly, in October 1614, to Bathia Murray. By his first wife he
had one son ; by his second, two sons and five daughters. (Registers of Marriages, Bap-
tisms, and Burials in the archives of the city of Aberdeen.)

Wedderburne occasionally taught in both the universities of Aberdeen. In 1614, on the
death of Gilbert Gray, principal of Marischal College, he was selected to teach " the
high class," that is, appai-ently, the class then taught by the principal in that seminary. In
1619, he was appointed by the town council "to teach ane lessoun of Humanitie anes everie
weeke in tyme comeing, within the college of the burght, out of sic authouris, at sic houris,
and efter sic method, as salbe injoyned to him be the counsall: And thairwith to compose in
Latino, both in prose and verse, quhatsumeuer purpose or thame, concerning the commoun

1 An annalist of Aberdeen, whose notices of Wedderburne are marlied by his usual carelessness, says,
that although " eminently distinguished by bis learning, he does not appear to have been a popular
teacher, or of high estimation among his pupils." (Kennedy's Annals of Aberdeen, vol. ii., p. 125.)
^frhere appears to be nothing on record to support this assertion. In 1G04, *' a gryt number of the com-
munitie" presented to the magistrates certain petty " greiffis complaining on Maister Dauid Wedderburne for
certane abuses and estortionis laitlie enterit and raisit in the said school." But, with the exception of one
charge against him, of levying higher fees than were warranted by his appointment, it was found, that the
evils complained of, " proceidit rather vpoun ane auld vse and custume introducit in the said school befoir
the said Maister Dauidis entrie thairwith than anywayis inventit or devysit be him." (Aberdeen Council
Register, vol. xli., p. 946.) Mr. Kennedy ascribes to " the severity of the rector's discipline,'' a mutiny of
the scholars in 1612. But the truth is, that for about thirty years, the same kind of mutiny seems to have
been of almost yearly occurrence ; and it was attributed mainly, to the leniency of the master's discipline :
** The provest baillies and counsall reassoning anent the ordour to be takin be the maisteris of schuillis, for
repressing and stencheing in tyme comeing of the insolencies and disordouris that fallis out abnaist yeirlie,
be tacking of the schuill about the superstitious tyme of YuiU, quhilk hes cheifiie proceidit be the slaknes
of the maitteris in eierceising discipline on thair schollaris, continewis etc." {Id. vol. xlv., p. 862.)

62 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

affairis of the towne ather at hame or afeild, as he salbe requyred be any of the magistrattis
or clerk in tyme comeing." (Aberdeen Council Register, vol. xlix., p. 503.) This lecture
was abolished in 1624. (Id., vol. li., p. 135.) In 1620, he was nominated Grammarian or
Humanist in King's College, an office which he did not long retain.

So many of Wedderburne's pieces were of a fugitive kind, or appeared in the works of
other authors, that it is not easy to give a perfect catalogue of his writings.

1. " In Obitu summae spei Principis Henrici, Jacobi VI. Serenissimi Britanniae Magnae,
Hiberniae et Galliae Regis, filii piimogeniti, Lessus. Authore Davide Wedderbvrno
Scholae Aberdonensis Moderatore. Edinburgi, Excudebat Andreas Hart, bibliopola,
Anno Dom. 1613." 4to. pp. 8. This piece is reprinted, along with other seven poems
by the author, in the Delitiae Poetarvm Scotorvm, t. ii., pp. 544 — 548. Amster. 1637.
16mo.

2. " Clariss. Viro D. Dvncano Liddclio D. Medico Philosopho, et Mathcseos Nvtricio
Lavdatissimo." " Eivsdem Epitaphivm." " Apotheosis." These poems were published
in " Oratio Fvnebris in memoriam CI. Viri Dvncani Liddelii medicinae doctoris et mathe-
matvm professoris celeberrimi. Scripta et pronvnciata a Gilberto Grayo Gymnasiarcha
Academiae novae Abredoniae, Decemb. 23. Anno 1613. Cvi accesservnt et alia Eulogia.
Excudebat Andreas Hart bibliopola Anno Dom. 1614." 4to. pp. 28. They are included
also in the Delitiae Poetarvm Scotorvm, t. ii., pp. 549 — 557.

3. " Invictissimo et Potentissimo Monarchae Jacobo VI. Britanniae Magnae, Galliae, et
Hiberniae Regi Serenissimo, Fidei Defensor!, Scotiam suam revisenti '2uvEu<pfxtTri^in. Au-
thore Davide Wedderburno Abredouensi. Edinburgi Excudebat Andreas Hart, 1617."
4to., pp. 12. This is reprinted in the Delitiae Poetarvm Scotorvm, t. ii., pp. 557 — 565 ;
and in Kennedy's Annals of Aberdeen, vol. i., pp. 471^-474.

4. " Ad Calliopen." Delitiae Poetarvm Scotorvm, t. ii., pp. 565, 566.

5. " Propempticon Charitum Abredonensium." Delitiae Poetarvm Scotorvm, t. ii., pp.
566 — 569 ; Kennedy's Annals of Aberdeen, vol. i., pp. 475, 476. This poem was written
at the request of the magistrates of Aberdeen, who rewarded the author's pains with a gift
of fifty merks.

6. " Arturo Jonstono M.D. rcspondet David Wedderburnus." Delitiae Poetarvm Sco-
torvm, t. ii., pp. 569 — 573 ; Art. lonstoni Poemata Omnia, pp. 279 — 283 ; Poetarum
Scotorum Musae Sacrae, pp. xxiv — xxvii. ^

7. " Abredonia Atrata, sub obituni Serenissimi et Potentissimi Monarchae, Jacobi Vly*
Pacific!, Britanniae Magnae, Galliae, et Hiberniae, Regis fortvnatissimi, Fidei Defensoris et
assertoris doctissimi. Abredoniae, Excudebat Edvardus Rabanus, Anno Domini 1625."
4to., pp. 12. In the dedication, " Ad amplissimos curiae Abredonensis primates," the au-
thor alludes to his poem on the death of Prince Henry.

8. " A Short Introduction to Grammar." Aberd. 1632. 8vo. The editor has not seen
this work, but a copy of it was in the library of the learned Thomas Ruddiman. (Ruddi-
man's Bibliotheca Romana, p. 62. Edinb. 1757. Svo.) In 1612, certain commissioners,
named by parliament, had appointed the Grammatica Nova of Alexander Hume to be
taught exclusively in the schools of Scotland. (Chalmers' Life of Ruddiman, pp. 23,
377—380. Lond. 1794. 8vo.) On the first of December, 1630, the town council of

MEMOIR OF DAVID WEDDERBURNE. 63

Aberdeen " havand consideratioun that the New Grammar laitlie reformed be Mr. Dauid
Wedderburne maister of the Grammer Schuill of this burgh, can naither be printit nor pub-
lishit for the vse of yong scholaris whome the same concernis, wnto the tyme the same
resave the approbatioune frome the lordis of counsall : Thairfor thay have thocht meit and
expedient that the said Mr. Dauid address himselfF with the said wark to Edinburgh, in all
convenient diligence for procureing the saidis lordis thair approbatioune thairto ; and ordanis
the soume of ane hundreth pundis money to be debursit to him be the townes thesaurer for
making of his expenssis in the said errand." (Aberdeen Council Register, vol. lii., p. 8.)
On the thirtieth of March, 1631, the town council " giveis and grantis to Mr. Dauid
Wedderburne, maister of thair grammer schole, the soume of ane hundreth merkis money to
help to defray the great chairges quhairin he hes beine drawin be his long attendance in
Edinburgh Sanct Androiss and Glasgow on the purches and obteining of the councell and
clergie of this kingdome thair approbatioun and allowance to his New Reformed Gram-
mer." (Id., p. 16.) On the twenty-eighth of June, 1633, the parliament referred to a
committee of the lords of the privy councill, " ane petitoun givin in be Maister Dauid
Wedderburne Maister of the Grammer Skoole of Abirdeine desyring that the Short and
Facile Grammer drawn vp be him and his paines may be allowit and ordanit to be taucht
vniuersallie through all the skooles of the kingdome of Scotland and all vthers grammers
dischargit to be taught withine the samyne." (The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland,
vol. v., p. 48. Mr. Thomson's edit.)

9. " Vivat Rex, seu r^ainuxTixst pro incolumitate Serenissimi Regis Caroli, Magnae
Britanniae, Franciae et Hiberniae Regis, Fidei Defensoris, ejusque felice in Scotia inaugura-
tione. Abredoniae, Excudebat Edwardus Rabanus. 1633." 4to., pp. 10. Wedderburne
was not the only Aberdonian who celebrated the visit of King Charles I. to Scotland in
Latin verse. In the same year there appeared " Serenissimi et Potentissimi Monarchae,
Caroli, Dei gratia, Magnae Britanniae, Galliae, et Hiberniae Regis, Fidei Defensoris, &c.,
Comitia, Calata, Pacifica, Scoticana, Edini habita, mense lunio cio do xxxni. Authore
Georgio Robertsono, Abredonano. Abredoniae, Excudebat Edwardus Rabanus. 1633."
4to., pp. 16.

10. " Institvtiones Grammaticae, in tres partes distributae : Quarum 1. de Etymologia,
2. de Syntax!, 3. de Orthographia, et Prosodia. Quibus succedit partis quartae supple-
mentum. Abredoniae, Iniprimebat Edwardus Rabanus, 1634. Cum Privilegio." 8vo.
pp. 144. et " Tabulae Rhethoricae," pp. 8. At p. 144 is " D. Arthuri lohnstoni, M.D.
SviFragivm." The work is inscribed to Su- Paul Menzies of Kinmundy, provost, and to
the town councill of Aberdeen, in a dedication dated the first of May, 1633. A second
edition, with some alterations and additions, appeared at Aberdeen in 1635. 8vo., pp. 145.
Of this edition, some copies, through the fault of the printer, bear the date of 1633.

11. " Vocabula, cum aliis Latinae linguae subsidiis." " Haec Vocabula," says Ruddi-
man, " omnibus fere Simsoni Rudimentis subjuncta imprimebantur." (Ruddiman's Biblio-
theca Romana, p. 62.) On the twentieth of July, 1636, the town council of Aberdeen
" ordainis the dean of gild to deburse feftie pundis money to Maister Dauid Wedderburne
maister of the Grammar Schoole, for his paynes in drawing wp of New Vocables for the
Weill and benefite of the young schoUaris within the said grammar school." (Aberdeen
Council Register, vol. lii., p. 281.) The work, under the name of " Wedderbume's Vo-

64 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

cables," was in use in the grammar school of Aberdeen in the year 1700. (Id., vol. Ivii.,
p. 557.) An edition of it, published at Edinburgh in 1682, in 8vo., was in the library of
Thomas Ruddiraan, who, in the catalogue of his books, styles the author " celeberrimus
Scholae N-il- Aberdonensis Hector." (Bibliotheca Romana, p. 99.)

12. " S. M. Reverendissimi in Christo Antistitis, Patricii Forbesii a Corse, Episcopi
Abredoniensis longe eminentissimi Epitymbion," printed in Bishop Forbes' Funeralls, p.
.373. Aberdene, 1635. 4to.

13. " Dilectissimo Viro, D. Joanni Gordonio, ad docturatum felicibus auspiciis promo-
vendo," prefixed to " Confessio Fidei in duobus capitlbus de Ecclesia et Reali Praesentia
in Eucharistiae Sacramento, proposita ad disputandum in Academia Regia Aberdonensi,
die 21. mensis Septemb. 1635. a M. Joanne Gordonio ecclesiaste Elginensi, pro gradu
docturatus in SS. Theologia. Aberdoniae, Imprimebat Edwardus Rabanus. 1635." 4to. ,
PP-18.

14. " Sub obitum viri clarissimi et carissimi D. Arturi Jonstoni, medici Regii, et poeta-
rum sui seculi facile principis, Davidis Weddcrburni Suspiria." Abredoniae, 1641. This
is reprinted by Lauder in his Poetarum Scotorum Musae Sacrae, pp. xxviii. xxix.

15. " Meditationum Campestrium, sen Epigramraatan Moralium Centuriae Duae.
Authore Davide Wedderburno. Abredoniae, Imprimebat Ed: Rabanus, 1643." 16mo.
pp. 61. This is dedicated to Sir Gilbert Menzies of Pitfoddels, Knight.

16. " Meditationum Campestrium seu Epigramraatan Moralium Centuria Tertia." Abre-
doniae, 1644.

17. " Persius Enucleatus, sive Commentarius exactissimus et maxime perspicuus in Per-
sium, poetarum omnium difficillimum. Studio Davidis Wedderburni, Scoti, Abredonensis.
Opus posthumum. Amstelodami, Apud Danielem Elzevirium, ci3 loc lxiv." 12mo., pp.
106. This was published by his younger brother Alexander.

Besides the works now enumerated, there has been often attributed to Wedderburne, an
elegy on the death of George Jamesone the painter ; but of this piece no copy, it is be-
lieved, is now extant. Commendatory verses by him are prefixed to Archdeacon Logic's
Raine from the Clovds vpon a Choicke Angel, Aberd. 1624 ; Dr. Guild's Trueth Trium-
phant, Aberd. 1637; Dr. Liddell's Ars Conservandi Sanitatem, Aberd. 1651.

Dempster has praised Wedderburne as " utriusque linguae doctissimus." (Hist. Eccle-
siast. Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., p. 671.) The more celebrated Gerard Vossius, with whom he
corresponded, calls him " homo eruditissimus, beneque promerens de studiis juventutis," and,
again, " homo doctissimus, et nostri etiam amicus." (Ger. Joan. Vossii Opera Omnia,
torn. iv. epist. ccccxvii. p. 230. Amstel. 1701. fol.) " His posthumous edition of
Persius," says Dr. Irving, " ought to have secured him a respectable place among our
philologers." (Lives of Scotish Poets, vol. i., p. 102. Edinb. 1804. 8vo.) It is
hardly necessary to allude to the prominent place which Wedderburne occupies in the
verses of his friend Dr. Arthur Johnstone. (Art. lonstoni Poeniata, pp. 276 — 281 ; 375 ;
400 — 402.) " Sed quo te piaculo," writes Lauder, in his memoir of that poet, " prae-
terire possum, David Wedderburne, auctori nostro (dum in vivis eratis) carissimum
sinud amicissimumque caput, ludi apud Aberdonenses per plurimos annos literarii rao-
deratorem dignissimum doctissimumque, cuique omnium Latinorum poeitarum difficilli
mum luculentissimo, brevi licet, commentario illustratum debcmus ? Esset certe quod

MEMOIR OF DAVID WEDDERBURNE. 65

Scotiae nostrae gratularemur, plures tibi similes studiosae juventutis praeceptores si ha-
beremus." (Poetarum Scotorura Musae Sacrae, pp. xviii., six.) And again : " Non
vanus augur exstitisti, neque tu, Jonstone celeberrime ! cui pro symbolo fuit heroico, ex
nominis cognominisque Uteris conflato, Virtus nos ornat ; neque tu, David etiam Wedder-
burne ! et ipse lacteae venae vates, ac jucundissimus olim fidissimusque auctori nostro per
omnes omnium rerum temporumque vicissitudines animo saltern comes ae sodalis, qui
.lonstoni ex obitu laetandi potius gaudendique quam dolendi argumentum Scotiae fore tot
ante annos clarissime significasti, eumque carmine in perpetuum victurum praenunciasti,
famamque inde perennem illi futuram spopondisti." (Id., praef., pp. xii. xiii.)

In the chronological list, drawn up by Ruddiman, of Sootish writers on grammar, Wed-
derburne occupies the eighth place. (Bibliotheca Romana, pp. 61, 62.) The honour of
the^frs^ rank is due to another Aberdonian, John Vans, the first Professor of Humanity in
the King's College; " who," says Chalmers, " as he published the first grammatical treatise,
may be regarded as the Whittington of Scotland." (Life of Ruddiman, p. 7.)

The work of Vans is entitled, " In Primam Doctrinalis Alexandrini de nominum ac ver-
borum declinationibus atque formationibus partem, ab Jodoco Badio Ascensio recognitani,
Magistri Joannis Vaus, natione Scoti, et percelebris Abredonensium Academiae Gramma-
tici, Commentarii ; ab eodem Ascensio itidem recogniti atque impressi. Sub prelo Ascen-
siano Ad Idus Martias mdxxii." 4to. The author, in an address " studiosis Aberdonen-
sium gymnasii nuper feliciter instituti, scholasticis," dated from Paris in February 1522, re-
minds them, " quanta plusculis jam annis et niihi docendi et vobis discendi molestia ac diffi-
cultas fiierit, ob libroruni praesertim penuriam, et scribentium dictata nostra negligentiam
ac imperitiam." This work is of rare occurrence ; the two about to be mentioned are of
still greater rarity. They were unknown to the erudite Ruddiman, and do not seem to
have been noticed by any bibliographer :

1. " Rudimenta Puerorum in artem Grammaticam : per Joannem Vaus Seotum, ex variis
collecta ; in quibus tres praecipui sunt libelli. Primus de Octo partibus orationis fere ex
Donato. Secundus de earundem partium interpretatione lingua vernacula. Tertius de
vulgari Scotiae eruditione, continens in se quinque capita. Primum, De declinationibus no-
minum, praemissa latinarum literarum divisione pro sequentibus necessaria. Secundum, De
Formatione temporum omnium modorum. Tertium, De concordantiis grammaticalibus.
Quartum, De resolutione grammaticali, brevissima de constructione oratoria, adjecta appen-
dice. Quintum, De Regimine omnium partium orationis in generali. Quartus itidem lingua
Scotica seorsum additur libellus, continens Interrogatiunculas de exactione nominum et
verborum regimine, una cum regulis, quae a pueris ob facilitatem aureae vocantur ; praemissis
etiam ad rem ipsam attinentibus nominum et verborum divisionibus.".4to. The colophon is in
these words : " Haec Rudimenta grammatices impressa sunt rursus prelo Jodoci Badii As-
censii Scoticae linguae imperiti : proinde si quid in ea erratum est, minus est mirandum.
Finem autem acceperunt vm. Calend. Novemb. 1531." 4to.

2. " Rudimenta Artis Grammaticae per Jo. Vaus Seotum selecta, et in duo divisa. Prima
pars dat literarum, syllabarum et dictionem prima libamina partini Latine, partim vulgi lingua
tradita. Secunda docet usum dictionum, ad orationes congruas statuendas secundum sep-

Q6 DESCRIPTION OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

tendecim congruitatis formulas : unde omnis grammaticae artis oratio dependet. Parisiis,
Ex officina Robert! Masselin, 1553." 4to. Subjoined to the grammar are " Statuta et
leges Ludi literarii Grammaticorum Aberdonensium ;" an address, dated " 16 Calen. Julii
1553," from Alexander Skeync "juventuti Aberdonensi Grammatices studiosae;" and a
poem of six verses, by Joannes Ferrerius, from which we learn that the editor of the work
was Theophilus Stuart, who, about the year 1541, succeeded Vaus, as professor of Huma-
nity, and died on the twentieth of March, 1376. (Miscellany of the Spalding Club,
vol. ii., p. 43.)

The varied learning of Stuart has been highly extolled : " sed quis astrologorum motus,
arithmeticorum numeros, geometrarum dimensiones, grammaticorum regulas, rhetorum
elegantias, philosophorum subtilitates, medicorum thesauros, uberius unquam possedit, quam
in vicinia nostra Theophilus Stuartus ?" (Oratio de Illustribus Scotiae Scriptoribus, habita
a Magistro Gilberto Grayo, Gymnasiarcha Academiae Novae Abredoniae, A. D. 1611, p.
xxxii., printed in Mackenzie's Lives of Scots Writers, vol. i. Edinb. 1708. fol.)

John Vaus is commemorated by Boece, as a grammarian " admodum eruditus : sermone
elegans, sententiis venustus, labore inuictus." (Aberdonensivm Episeoporvm Vitae, fo.
XXX.) And Ferrerius, in an academical oration, printed at Paris in 1339, styles him " virum
cum Uteris turn moribus ornatissimum, et de juventute Scotiea bene meritum." (Dr. Irving's
Lives of Scotish Writers, vol. i., p. 5, noteS)

Among the earliest writers on grammar produced by Scotland in the following century,
was John Leech, who more than once held the office of Rector of King's College :
" Leochaeus (Jo.) [i. e. Leech.'] Rudimenta grammaticae Latinae, in gratiam Jacobi
Moraviae, domini Anandiae \cui Leochaeus erat praeceptor.~\ Lond. 1624." I2mo.
(Ruddiman's Bibliotheca Romana, p. 61.)

Leech commemorates in his poems several of those who in his time taught in our univer-
sities, in the elder of which he himself studied, as we learn from one of his epigrams, " De
se, ab emenso cursu suo philosophico, 1614, in Collegio Regio Abredonensi." (Joannis
Leochaei Scoti Mvsae Priores, sive Poematvm pars prior, epig. lib. i., p. 7. Londini,
1620. 8vo.)]

III.

A VIEW

THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

8^!© : ^"V TNT?®.'; >? V 7*<8LJ5© 'i "^'V "^"^^

; T^70t^J! T'C'^J ^I#<^' "ti^tS

rip'A lR'^lr'''V irll.^'-''. I^'^i

A VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

,^i.?^r">^r;"^^ HE Diocese of Aberdeen, considered ecclesiaS'

TiCALLY, did or doth contain:
Two cathedrals : Murthlach ; and Old Aberdeen.
One city : Old Aberdeen.

Two episcopal palaces : Balvanie ; and Old Aber-
deen.
Two episcopal manours: Fetterneir; and Lochgowl.
Eleven religious houses : Monimusk ; Deer ; Fyvie ; thes of the
Black Friars, Gray Friars, Red Friars, and White Friars at
Aberdeen ; that of the Nuns at Aberdeen ; these of the Gray

Friars and White Friars at Banf ;

Three collegiate churches : New Aberdeen ; King's College ; and
Cullen. The first is still a cure for three priests ; and the
last, for one.
One university, (consisting of two colleges) : and one printing-
house.
One collegiate chappel : that of The Garrioch.
Five deanries : Aberdeen ; Mar ; The Garrioch ; Buchan ;
Boyne ; now changed into eight presbyteries : Aberdeen ;
Kincardin ; Alford ; The Garrioch; Deer; Turriff; Ellon;

and Fordyce.
Ninety-seven titles

cures, (distinct benefices or livings) :

70 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

quhereof four, (Tarlan and Migvie ; Aboyn and Glentaner ;

Forbes and Keirn ; Crathie and Braemar ;) are double ; and

one, (Glenmuck, Tullich, and Glengairden,) is triple.
Twelve churches supj^ressed and extinct, without having any

new modern church to represent them singly and in particular :

namely, Fetterneir ; Fetterangus ; Logy in Mar ; Colstane ;

Furvie ; Dummeth ; Cloa ; Fascin ; Tullinathlak ; TuUiwhuts;

Rochmuriel ; Munbre.
chappels, suppressed and extinct ....

hospitals, suppressed and extinct ....

churches, erected, (all but Logy-Buchan,) since the Re-
formation, for the sake of a more commodious situation, to
represent old ones, now ruinous and neglected : Logy-Buchan ;
Longley, (or Saint Fergus) ; Frasersburgh, (to represent Phi-
lorth) ; Inverury, (to represent 'Polinar's chappel) ;

churches erected out of chappels : chappel of The

Garioch (to represent Logy-Durno) ; . . . .

churches built and endowed since the Reformation.

where ther was no church or chappel befor : Udny ; Strechin ;
Longside ; New Machar ; New Deer : Newhills ; Pitsligo ;
Monwheeter; .........

1. he same diocese, considered civilly, did or doth contain :
Nine Royal castles : namely, one at each of the Royal burghs ;

and Kildrummy ; Dundore ; Halforest ; Kindrocht.
Five Royal burghs : Aberdeen ; Kintore ; Inverury ; Banf ;

CuUen ; besides Rattray, which was formerly one.
Part of three shires : Aberdeen ; Banf ; and Kincardin.
The seats of:

One duke : Mar. '

I [John eleventh Earl of Mar, (attainted in 1716,) was, in 1715, invested, by the Che-
valier de St. George, with the titular dignities of Duke of Mar, Marquess of Stirling, and
Earl of Alloa. The author, a Jacobite nonjuror, habitually styles his lordship, Duke.]

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS. 71

Seven earls : The Garrioch, now extinct ; Ythan,' now ex-
tinct ; Buchan ; Errol ; Marischal ; Aberdeen ; Finlater ;
Kintore ; Dumfevmling.^

One viscount : Frendraught, now extinct.

barronets : Craigievar ; Birkenbog ; Pitmedden ;

Park ; Craig-Johnston ; Forbes of Monimusk ; Keith of
Ludquharn ; ^

chiefs of families, that are neither peers nor bar-
ronets : Drum ; Leyes ^ ; Skene ; Udny ; Invercauld ; Auch-
medden ; Auchmacoy ; Newmill of Auchindore ;

Being to write of Aberdeen diocese, I shall first off'er four divi-
sions of it : one civil ; and three ecclesiastic ones ; namely, two which
were used before, and one which was used after, the Reformation.

I ask leave to give the civil division first, not only because, as to
some particulars, it is the oldest, (this country having been in-
habited and governed some ages befor it received Christianity) ; but,
also, because it is the most natural, and its boundaries are gene-
rally lasting and unchangeable, being commonly rivers and moun-
tains.

First, then, this diocese contains a part of three shires or

' [The title of Eythin, or Ythan, conferred in 1642 on Sir James King of Barra and
Birnes, was that of a Baron, not of an Earl.]

- [The author has overlooked the seats of the Earl of Aboyne, and the Earl of Seafield ;
as well as those of the following Barons : Forbes ; Saltoun ; Eraser ; Altrie, then extinct ;
Banf ; Glasfoord, then extinct ; and Pitsligo.]

3 [Among the Knights Baronets, who at some time had their residence within the dio-
cese, but are not enumerated by the writer, may be mentioned: Gordon of Cluny ;
Leslie of Wardes ; Gordon of Lesmore ; Burnet of Leys ; Ogilvie of Carnousie ; Ogilvie
of Forglen ; Gordon of Haddo ; Turing of Foveran ; Chalmers of Cults ; Maitland of
Pitrichie ; Eraser of Durris ; Baird of Newbyth ; Bannerman of Elsick ; Cuming of
Culter ; Dunbar of Durn ; Forbes of Foveran ; Elphinstone of Logic ; Reid of Barra ;
Grant of Cullen. The latest of these baronetcies was created before the Union with
England.]

* [The ancient house of Leys, it is hardly necessary to say, has enjoyed the honours of
the Knight- Baronetage since the year 1626.]

/2 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

sheriffdoms ; namely, these of Kincardin, (or The Mernis) ; Aber-
deen ; and Banf.

But, as there are but two parishes in that of Kincardin, (videlicet,
Nig, and Upper Banchory), and part of a third, (to wit, that part
of Nether Banchory which lyes south of Dee) ; and, as there
was neither of the two first parishes reckoned as they are now
befor the Reformation, (for, till then, Nig was reckoned in Saint
Andrews diocese, and Upper Banchory in Aberdeen diocese ) ; I
shall not then pretend to describe Kincardin shire, at present, but
come to the two next, Aberdeen and Banf.

Here, then, as to Aberdeenshire, it is divided into six districts :
Mar ; Formartin ; The Garioch ; the greater part of Buchan ;
Strathbogy, (which is wholly in Murray diocese, and therefor is not
here described,) ; and Aberdeenshire, properly so called.

And as to Banfshire, it is divided into five districts : Boyne,
Ainzie ; Balvanie ; Strathyla, which is wholly in Murray diocese,
and therfor not here described ; a small part of Buchan ; and
Banfshire, pi'operly so called.

What state this diocese was in, before it received Christianity,
can hardly be now shewn. All that I have learned of it is, that, in
Ptolemy, Dee is called Deva ; Aberdeen, Devana ; the people of
Buchan, Teizali ; Buchanness, Teizalum ; Dovern, Celnius. It
would seem that worship was performed, under the open air, within
little circles or enclosures of stones ; one or more of which may be
yet found here almost in every parish, being generally accounted to
have been temples.

ABERDEENSHIRE.

Aberdeenshire, in general, is reckoned one of the three largest
in Scotland, (the other two being these of Perth and Argyle.)

It is bounded, on the south, with The Mernis ; on the southwest,
with Angus ; on the southwest by west, by Perthshire ; on the
northwest, by that of Inverness ; and on the north, by Banfshire.

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— ABERDEENSHIRE. 73

It was, of old, the farthest country of the Scots towards the
south, on this east coast ; for Dee divided them from the Picts.

The soil is unequal, and seldom deep or rich ; and bears, gene-
rally, but oats, and such grain as we call bear, but the English, biqq.

The air is, commonly, very pure.

The inhabitants are, for most part, ingenious by nature, and im-
proved by education, which is very cheap, the university being
so near : so that from this shire there go more scholars abroad
throughout the kingdom, and throughout England, and even into
foreign countries, then from any shire we know of. They are, also,
reckoned civil ; and, in their inns, one lodges cheaper than in those
of the southern shires : and, since A. D. m.dcc.xvi., their loyalists
have much commended their hospitality, who had occasion, that
year, to experience it.

Their language, it must be confessed, is none of the best ; and
their pronunciation is broad and rustic, but especially in Buchan ;
which has been remarked even to a proverb.' They speak Irish in
the five parishes of Tullich, Glenmuick, Glengarden, Crathie, Brae-
mar, and the heights of Strathdon.

' [Perhaps the oldest specimen preserved of the Aberdeenshire or " Broad Buchan "
dialect, is that in Dr. Pitcairn's scandalous satire of " The Assembly or Scotch Reforma-
tion," written in 1692. The following extracts from the speeches put into the mouth of
" Laird Littlewit, a north-country man," may suffice to show what were then considered
the more prominent peculiarities of our northern tongue : " Cleanse out the keerates, that

the gospel may be preached ; let that be first deene." "I jeedge it guid, and for

sekeerity of the protestant religion, that na keerate get leave to sett his fitt within this

bigging." " But see the doors be nae apened to him." " Fat ha' they deen ?

If that be true, we are but a beik of bees without stangs." " If we be nae ither-

ways sekeered, bot be the claim of right, we've a cald coal to blau at : I wad anes see to
sekeere the quintra frae free quarters, and a' the rest of the abeeses mentioned in't ; and
then we may expect sume guid o't ; but, guid seeth, moderator, Sir William Littlelaw had
nae a's wits about him fan that claim was drawn, and sae's seen o't the day, for they say he

takes fits." "A wast quintra believer, moderator, can teach better than ony

keerate i' the north, and they'll seen learn to gi' the commenion."

A translation from Ovid into the vernacular of Aberdeenshire, by Robert Forbes, a
hosier in London, — " Ajax's Speech to the Grecian Knabbs. In Broad Buchans," — was
publblied in 1748, and has been often reprinted, together with " A Journal from London
to Portsmouth," written in the same dialect, by the same author.]

74 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

As to religion, they have generally been of our church, and were
little fond of the change that happened A.D. m.dc.lxxxviii., either
in church or state. For even when King James VII. had granted

a toleration to the presbyterians, there were not above

meeting houses erected here. But, at present, that government
being established, many have conformed to it : some, as thinking
church government a thing indifferent; others, to obtain counte-
nance and preferment ; many, because they have none of our clergy
near them ; and some, to be sure, upon principle. The liturgy,
also, being a new thing here, keeps back many of the more ig-
norant ; though even, among them, such as can but read, and get
Prayer Books, are very apt to like and chuse it. But, there not
being half so many of our oratories in this diocese, as thei*e are
churches possessed by the presbyterians, it is not much to be won-
dei'ed, that, where there are no such oratories, the common people
go to church, holding it as a necessary thing in point of conscience
to join in publick worship somewhere. Though here it must be ob-
served, that had the presbyterians carried more modestly upon their
settlement at the Revolution, they might have gained many more
converts ; but their violence has gone near to undo them. Had they
but, on their first settlement, used the Lord's Prayer and doxology ;
worn something of an ecclesiastic habit ; railed less on our clergy
than they did ; and insisted less on predestination ; there is little
doubt to be made, but that the generality of the common people,
who scarce understood any thing at that time of the fundamental
difference betwixt us, (about ordination,) would have submitted to
them without much ado, wheresoever our clergy had been dis-
possessed. But now, on the other hand, the presbyterians, who do
much value themselves on the observation of little things, not only
affected to be as unlike our clergy, in their whole manner, as they
could, and to distinguish themselves by their ungracious novelties ;
but, also, prejudiced people against them by their rigorous and
vexatious persecutions ; first, of the old clergy who had the bene-
fices, (by the throwing out of whom, on trivial pretences, they got

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— ABERDEENSHIRE. 75

a character of crudty) ; and then, more lately, of the gentry their
parishioners, by the teazing of whom so oft for augmentations to
their stipends, they have incurred the censure of covetonsness. And
now, last of all, by their unaccountable contentions among them-
selves, they undermine themselves as fast as they can, and begin to
be looked upon as a sect that is evermore turhulent and restless.
All these three characters, I say, of disadvantage, they have, by
their bad conduct since the Revolution, drawn on themselves, even
by their own people : for as to such as were not of their party, but
judged of their spirit aright, and remembered their former con-
duct, they have not much disappointed or surprized them. In the
mean time, the presbj-terians, as if they were established for ever,
live much more securely now than at any time before, and seem
little troubled that their worldly-mindedness and ill humour appear
so open and undisguised.

The trade of this shire, which is carried on chiefly by Aberdeen,
and, in a lesser degree, by Peterhead and Frasersburgh, consists in
the salmon caught in Dee, Don, Ythan, and Ugie ; stockings the

best of which are these ; coarse cloth ;

liunen ; pork, furnished chiefly from Buchan, where there are many
mills ; beef ; tallow.

The three chief rivers in this shire, are Dee and Don, in Mar ;
and Ythan, in Formartin.

To speak something in general of the two first. They were of
old called the South and North Waters,* (like the two Esks in
Angus) ; and both the names do, in the British, signify water.] They
are most remarkably fruitful in salmon, especially Dee, which,
(taking one year with another,) is reckoned to aiford yearly about
seventy last' of salmond.

* See the Chartulary of Aberdeen.

t Baxter's Glossarium Antiquitatum Britannicarum.

' [" Twelue barrelles of salmonde, ar bocht be the merchandes, for the last ; bot in
furing of them over the sea, the skippers coiintis onely nine barrelles for the last." (Skene,
De Verborum Significatione, voce Serplath. Edinb. 1597. fol.) " A last is twelve barrels.

76 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Dee and Don are two surnames;* whether taken from these
rivers I know not ; though, seeing each of them bears a fess, the
one waved azure, the other argent on a fiekl vert, it may be
thought that such fesses do possibly represent the runnings of these
waters.

Dee is a pretty clear river, shallow and somewhat quick, run-
ning much on gravel, and having several fords : but after i-ains it
becomes very big and impetuous.

Don is deep and slow, blackish as running on slime and mud,
having few fords.

The banks of Dee consist of a thin and diy soil, aboimding with
wood and stone, and overgrown frequently with heath ; whereas
these of Don consist of a soil more deep and fat, affording good
corn fields. Some go even so far as to afBrm, that, not only the
corn, but also the men and beasts, are taller and plumper on Don
than on Dee. Hence it is said,

" A mile of Don's worth two of Dee,
Except for salmoiid, stone, and tree."

Besides, Dee has the advantage of Don in its air, which is ex-
tremely fresh, and pure, (as particularly in Durris, Brass, and Brae-
mar,) by means of its heaths and woods ; so it is observed that the
people who live along it are very healthy and long-lived. Dr. Alex-
ander Fraser of Durris ' was wont to compare the air there to that
of Windsor, reckoned the finest in England.

Dee has no cruives, though Don has ; and hence it is, that though
Dee has forty-seven fisher-boats, (twenty-three beneath, and twenty-
four above, the bridge,) Don has but six, (three beneath, and three
above, the bridge, but all beneath the cruves,) though formerly it
had as many above them as beneath.

and each barrel contains about two hundred and fifty pounds of lish." (l'\ Douglas' De-
scription of the East Coast of Scotland, p. 147. Paisley, 1782. 12mo.)]
• See Nisbet's Heraldry [vol. i., pp. 58, 212, 379. edit. Edinb. 181G. fol.]
1 [Physician to King Charles II. He died in 1681. See The Book of Bon-Accord,
pp. 31*^320.]

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— ABERDEENSHIRE. 77

Dee is crossed with eighteen ferry-boats ; ' Don, with fourteen.

Dee is a straight river ; but Don is remarkably crooked : so that
it is said here proverbially, of one who is full of subterfuges and
evasions, that " He has as many crooks as Don." But, if the dis-
tance from head to foot of these rivers be considered, without re-
gard to their irregular windings, then Dee is forty-eight miles long,
and Don thirty -six.

' [" Passages on the river Dee, by boate :

1. The fyrst is at Castelltoune in the Brae of 7. Kincairne of Neill.

Mar. 8. Inchbarrey.

2. At Crathey. 9. Banchrey Kirke.

3. At Abergeldey. 10. The Myles of Drum.

4. At Dalmuickeachie now called the 11. Kinerthy.

Kirke of Tilliche. 12. Banchrey Daueny.

5. At Dalchcipe neir Glentaner Kirke. 13. Bridge of Dee."

6. The Boate of Fcrrar.

(" Sir James Balfour Lyon King at Armes [appointed to the office in 1630 ; died in
1657,] Collection on the severall Shires." MS. Advocates' Library.)

" The chciffe passages from the river Tay to the river Dee through the mountans,
also from Aberdeine to the heade of Dee, are etewin, viz. ;

1 . The eastermost is Calsay ore Couey Monthe.

2. Elsicke Monthe, and goes from Stainhiue to Drum, sex myles of monthe.

3. Craiyincrosse Monthe layes from the church of Sanct Palladius wulgarly called Fade
Kirk, in The Mearnes, to the Mylles of Drum.

4. Stooke Mounthe wich is the fourthe passage, from Glenbervie in The Mernisse to
Straquhan one Dee syde, and containes sex myles of moanthe.

5. Mounthe Bulge is fyft, and layes from Glenfarchar to Dee syde.

6. Cairneamounthe is the sext wich passes from Fittircairne in The Mernis to Kincardyne
of Neill one Dee, in Mar, and conteins aucht miles in mounthe.

7. Seventlie is the Forrest of Birsse, wich layes from Cairn Corsse to Birss, on Dee
syde, and containes sex myles of mounthe.

8. Eghte is Mounthe Gammell, wich lyes from Glenesk to Glentanner, one Dee syde,
and containes sex myles of mounthe.

9. The nynthe is Mounthe Kcine, wich layes from Innermarkie to Canakyle, on Dee
side, and containes ten myles of montlie.

10. The tenthe is Capell Mounthe, wich layes from Cloua to Glenmuicke, one Dee, and
conteins twelue myles of monthe.

11. The elewint is Carnavalage, wich layes from Glenshie to Castletoune in Brae of
Mar, and conteins miles of mounthe.

Nota : That the chieffe passage from Castletoune in the Brae Mar to the castle of Blare
in Athole is csJlit Potarffe, and conteins auchtein miles of mounthe." Ibid.']

78 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

And now to be more particular. Dee rises in Braemar,' and
receives, (besides other small rivers,) Garden, from Glengarden ;
Muck, from Glenmuck ; and Taner, from Glentaner parishes.
About forty-five nailes above Aberdeen, and about a mile above
Dalmore, in Braemar, it has a little wooden bridge, and a cataract,
(or Linn,) where a great many salmonds, being unable to swim up
any farther, are caught.'^ It falls into the sea at Aberdeen, where
it has a fair bridge of seven arches, built two ages ago in seven
years, (begun A.D. m.d.xviii. and finished A.D. m.d.xxv. by Bishop
Dunbar as executor to Bishop Elphinston,) by order of Bishop El-
phinston ; and rebuilt of late, in five years, by the town of Aberdeen,
as guardians of the bridge, (begxm A.D. m.dcc.xix. and finished
A.D. M.DCC.xxiii.,) on a supposition that it was in danger of falling,
with the money alloted for its support. In the Regutrum Charta-
rum, in a charter of Gilbert Menzies, provest of Aberdeen, it's
described to be of fyne aislar stane, sixteen foot broad, lying be-

• [" The riuer Dee springes out of Corredee, on the confynes of Badenocht, at a place.,
named by the barbarous inhabitants Pittindawin and Bodindeweill, (that is the deiuells

) : so speakes these wylde scurrilous people, amongst wych ther is

bot small feare and knowledge of God." Sir James Balfour's Collections, MS.]

2 [" Glens one the river Dee one the southe syde of the same .■
Glentanner the nethermost on Dee. Ballabuie.

Glenmuicke. Glenclune.

Glengirneiche. Glencallader.

Aberyeildey. Glen-ej.

Glens on the noTthe syde of the river Dee :
Glencolstaine. Innercalde.

Glengairney. Glencoiehe.

Balemore. Glenluie.

Castells of note one the river Dee:
Banchrey Daueney, Forbes. Auchinhove, Dewgett.

Culter, Cumin. Auchinlossin, Rosse.

Drum, Irwinge. Benacraige, Troupe.

Pitfoddels, Menzies. Canakyle, Marques Huntly.

TilliquhoUey, Douglas. Knock, Aberyeldey, Gordon.

Cratheis, Burnet. Kindrocht in Braemar, Earle of Marr."

/6iW.]

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— ABERDEENSHIRE. 79

tween the lands of Kincorth, belonging to the Abbay of Arbroth,
and Ruddriston, belonging to the heir of the late Henry Leith of
Barnes.

Don rises in Strathdon, ' and receives, (besides other small rivers,)
Nochty, from Invernochty ; Bucket, from Glenbucket ; and Ury,
from Inverury parishes. It falls into the sea at Old Aberdeen,
where it has a fair bridge of one arch, built four ages ago, (about
A.D. M.ccc.xx., by King Robert I., while this see was vacant by
the flight of Bishop Cheyne,) as it is said, with the revenues of the

• [" The river Done springs out of a rocke named Feewaitt vvich borders J onp
Strathdowin.

Glens on the north syde of the river Done, above Kildrutnmey Castle, in 3Iar, are •

Glenkindey. Skellater.

Glenbucket. Corgarffe, quherin the Earle of Mar

Glennochtie. has a very strong castle.

Glenernein.

Glens on the south syde of Dotie :

Glendeschorie. Glen-conrie.

Glen-carvie.
Castells and dwellings, of most note, on the River Don, above Inner urie, are .-

Kemnay, Straquhan. Monemusche, Forbes.

Muchell, Lord Fraser. Sauchin, Burnett.

Caskeben, Jhonston. Poytochie, Lord Forbes.

Bachein, Leslie. Finochie, Gregorie.

Pitfichey, Cheine. Tonley, Farquhar.

Aslowin, Forbes. Whytehaughe, Leithe.

Buffloige, Forbes. Bredhaugh, Forbes.

Delpersie, Gordon. Brughes, Forbes.

Kildrimmey, Earl of Mar. Glenkindie, Straquhain.

Corse, Forbes. Innerbucket, Gordon.

Towie, Forbes. Craigievar, Forbes.

Fetterneir, Abercrumby. New, Forbes.

Pitcapell, Lesley. Curgarthe, Earle of Mar.

Pittodry, Erskine.
The lenthe of the river Done is, from above the kirke of Auforde tuentie myles ; and
tuentie four myles from the said kirke to the bridge of Done, quhair Done discharges his
streams in the German ocean.

Nota : Between Aberdeene in Mar and the wpermost housse one the river Dee, called
Innerej, is fourtie eighte myles, wich is supposed to be the house in Scotland farthest off
from the sea." Sir James Balfour's Collections, MS.]

80 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

bishoprick of Aberdeen, and reckoned the best of that kind in
Scotland.

Don is famous for pearls, whence one of our poets, (Hawthornden
in his Forth Feasting,) bath called it

" Pearly Don ;"
and another, (Alexander Ross, in his Virgilius Evangelisans,)
" Donaque baccatas quae volvitur inter arenas."'
Fair Don that runs the pearly sands along.

Ythan rises in Forgue, out of Foudland hill, from two springs ;
is about fifteen miles long, without reckoning its winding ; and has
six ferry-boats ; is deep and black, and hence dangerous, and, (as
the country people call it,) blood-thirsty. Yet it abounds with
pearls, which, were they waited for till they became ripe, would
turn to good account. Hence, one of our poets, (Hawthornden, in
an epitaph on a nobleman buried here,^) addressing himself to this
river in a melancholy strain, hath said,

" Ythan ! thy pearly coronet let fall ! ''

1 [" Virgilii Evangelisantis Christiados Libri XIII. in quibus omnia quae de Domino
nostro Jesu Christo in utroque Testamento, vel dicta vel praedicta sunt, altisona divina
Maronis tuba suavissime decantantur. Inflante Alexandre Rosaeo Aberdonense," lib. vii..
y. 107., p. 113., edit. Lend. 1659. 8vo.

The voluminous author of this elaborate cento was born at Aberdeen in 1390, and died in
England in 1654. A memoir of him will be found in Chalmers' Biographical Dictionary,
vol. xxvi., pp. 387, 388. Lond. 1816. 8vo.

The Don is alluded to in another of his works : " Satan also useth to affright men in
churches and church yards in the dark, by representing to their fancy the shape of dead
men in their winding sheets. In the night also strange voices and sounds are heard near
deep waters, or rivers, which are taken as presages of some shortly to be drowned there :
the like I have heard my self, and have found the event to fall out accordingly ; for one
day travelling before day, with some company, near the river Don by Aberden, we heard a
great noise, and voices call to us. I was going to answer, but was forbid by my company,
who told me they were spirits, which never are heard there, but before the death of some-
body ; which fell out true ; for, the next day, a gallant gentleman was drowned with his
horse offering to swim over." iiansebeia : or A View of all Religions in the World, p.
77. sixth edit. Lond. 1083. 8vo.]

2 [" On the death of a Nobleman in Scotland, buried at Aithen."]

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— MAR. 81

Here I beg leave to observe, that the top-pearl in the crowTi of
Scotland, is reported to have been found in Kelly, a little brook
that falls into Ythan in Methlick parish.'

MAR.

Mar is so named from Martach, one of Fergus the First's cap- Name,
tains, to whom that prince gave it for a possession.

Its arms are, sapphire, a bend between six cross crosslets Arms,
fitched, topaz ; still born as feudal arms by the possessor, being the
family arms of the Mars, first earls of Mar. There are to this
day some people in this country of the surname of Mar, but of
no account.

It is reckoned the chief district in all Aberdeenshire, both as it Character.
is the largest, as it contains the seat both of the ecclesiastic and
civil judge, and as the people in it are reckoned the most inge-

' [" This Sir Thomas Menzies of Cults having procured that famous Pearl which was
found in the brook or burne of Kellie, as it runs into the river of Ythan, which Pearle, for
beauty and bigness, was the best that hath been at any time found in Scotland : our said
provest having found, by the judgement of the best jewelers in Edinburgh, that it was most
precious and of a very high value, went up to London and gifted it to the King. This
was ill the year 1020. Who in retribution gave him twelve or fourteen chalders of
victuall about Dumfermling, and the custom of merchant-goods in Aberdeen during his
life." A Succinct Survey of the famous City of Aberdeen, pp. 238, 239. Aberd.
1685. 8vo.

Notices of the pearl fishery of the Ythan will be found in the Statistical Account of Scot-
land, vol. iv., p. 423 ; vol. v., p. 276; vol. vi., p. G2 ; vol. ix., p. 459. Edinb. 1792-3.
8vo. ; and in " The Inquirer, a Periodical Paper published at Aberdeen, from December 5
1804, to March 13, 1805," pp. 23, 24, 48, 71, 72. Aberd. 1805. 8vo.

In the reign of King Charles I., the trade was considered of sufficient moment to be
worthy the attention of the parliament. See Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. v.,
pp. 49, 224, 259. Mr. Thomson's edit.

The pearls of Scotland long shared with those of Bohemia the reputation of being the
best found in Europe, though they were held to be very far inferior to those of the east.
See Anselmi Boetii de Boodt Gemmarvm et Lapidvm Historia, pp. 85, 90. Hanoviae,
1609. 4to.]

82 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

nious, excelling both in arts and arms. Hence it is said by one of
our poets, (John Barclay,')

" Marria sic amata Musis ;"2
Mar by all the Muses loved ;

and again, in a common rhime,

" The brave bowmen of Mar."

And on these accounts it is, that even the whole shire is some-
times called the shire of Mar.
Diirnity. xt was made, I. a Captainship, in the person of Martach, (above

three hundred years befor our Saviour,) to whom King Fergus I.
gave it.

II. an Earldom : First, in the Mars ; Murdo Mar, (possibly
descended of the forsaid Martach,) being made Earl of Mar
by King Malcolm III. ;* from which Earl Murdo to Earl
Thomas, who dyed childless, under King David II., inclusively,
are reckoned nine Earls. Second, the Douglasses; William, first
Earl of Douglass, having married Isabel Mar, the sister of Earl

' [Author of the celebrated romance of Argenis ; born in France in 1582, died at Rome
in 1621. His father, William Barclay, (a son of the ancient family of Gartly in Strath-
bogie,) Professor of Law in the University of Angers, and author of a well-known treatise,
" De Regno et Regali Potestate," was born in Aberdeenshire in 1546, and died in France
in 1605. The life of John Barclay has been written by the accurate Lord Hailes ; and a
memoir, as well of him, as of his father, will be found in Dr. Irving's Lives of Scotish
Writers, vol. i., pp. 210 — 216 ; 371—384. See also Mr. Hallam's Introduction to the
Literature of Europe, vol. ii., p. 196 ; vol. iii., pp. 39, 20, 681, 682.]

2 [This passage occurs in the verses of William Barclay, M.D., descended from the
house of Towie, but often confounded with the civilian of the same name. See Dr.
Irving's Lives of Scotish Writers, vol. i., pp. 230 — 233. The poem referred to in the text,
is addressed " Ad Gul. Lessium," and will be found in the Delitiae Poetarvm Scotorvm,
t. i.,pp. 137, 138.]

* Sir James Balfour's Genealogy of the Nobility of Scotland, MS., in the King's Col-
lege, [p. 87 : " Martacus I find to be Earle of Mar about the latter end of King Malcolm
III. ; whom I find to be a witnes in a donation of this King's to the religious Keledei or
Culdei of Lochlevin of the mannor of Kilmagad near Arnoth. I do not find the name
of his wife, but only of his son Donald who succeeded him."]

CIVIL DIVISIONS— MAR. 83

Thomas. He was succeeded, in both Earldoms, by his son James,
who was succeeded by his sister Isabel. Third, the Stewarts ;
Alexander Stewart, natural son to Alexander Earl of Buchan,
having married the said Isabel Douglas. But, he dying child-
less, A. D. M.cccc.xxxvi., the Erskins claimed it, as descended of
the first Earls. But, A. D. m.cccc.lx.. King James II. gave it
to his third son John ; who dying unmarried. King James TIL
gave it to one Robert Cochran, and after that to his own son John.
Queen Mary gave it to James Stuart, her natural brother, after-
ward Earl of Murray. Fourth, the Erskins ; Queen Mary having,
after a full examination of their claim, given it to John Lord
Erskine, to whose family it has since belonged.

III. A Dukedom, A. D. m.dcc.xv., in the person of John Earl
of Mar, created Duke thereof by King James VIII. Ariosto, as
it were prophesying of this honour to be done Mar, two hundred
years ago, hath represented it as a Dukedom, as early as Charle-
maign's time ; for thus he writes, in the muster of the Scotish
auxiliaries sent over to that Prince :

" L' altra bandiera e del Duca di Marra."

Canto X. [stan. 85.]

and again :

" Trasone intanto, il buon Duca di Marra,
Che ritrovarsi all' alta impresa gode,
Ai cavalieri suoi leva la sbarra,
E seco invita alle famose lode."

Canto xvi. [stan. 55.]

It has also been a Regality since ; and Kildrummy

is its head castle.

'Tis bounded at first with rivers, (Dee and Don, for about fifteen Bounds,
miles upward,) and after that with mountains.

The soil is, in the lower parts, rugged and stony : and, in tlie Soil.
upper, hilly and mountainous.

It is reckoned sixty miles long, though inhabited but about forty- Dimensions.
five miles upwards ; and, in the lower parts, while it is bounded

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Its parishes.

with the two rivers, eight, in the upper parts, almost sixteen,
broad. And, though the circumference cannot be perfectly ascer-
tained, yet it seems to be about one hundred and thirty miles.

'Tis long and narrow, especially towards the lower end, where it
is wedged in by the two rivers to a point. The one end of it,
(about Aberdeen,) is well peopled, and full of trade ; but the other,
(about Braemar,) is scarce yet discovered, being lost, as it were, in
an high desert.'

The parts of Mar are these : Mar, properly so called ; Alford ;
Cromar ; Braemar.

Mar, properly so called, is all that part of the country which
falls under no other peculiar distinction ; and it contains parishes
which may be reduced to these three classes : these on Dee ; these
on Don ; and these in the middle parts of this proper Mar.

Parishes on Dee, (and in Mar properly so called,) as one goes up

Marr.

Dee fluvius.

Aberdeine urbs.

Done fluvius.
AberdoniaeEpi-

Townes.

Castells.

1 [" Marre. North from The Merns is the mouth of the river Dee, wher is situat the
ancient towne of Aberdeine, vulgarie called New Aberdeine ; well bult of free stone,
riche, and of great trafocke in merchanding ; much rcnouned abrod for the grate plenty
of good salmons they send to forraine nations. It is adorned with a fair College, quhair
the liberal sciences is professed.

Neir the mouth of the river Done, some ane tliowsand spaces from the new towne, is
situat the citey of Old Aberdein, or rather Aberdone, the Episcopal seat ; consisting of
maney fyne stone houses, and a goodly university, with a stronge bridge of one arche.

Betwixt the rivers of Dee and Done bcginneth the countrey of Marre, growing
always wyder and wyder till it waxe to sixtie myles in lenth, stretchying even to the
confynes of Badyenoch.

In Mar, ar the townis of Kincardin Neill and Kintor.

In it, of castells and gentlemens houses of most respect, are counted those : —
Drum. Kildrummey.

Leyeis. Innerbuchatt.

Monimusk. Cluny.

Halforest. Corsinday.

Abergeldy. Muchall.

Lenturke. Craigiewar.

Crosse. Corgarth.

Asslune. Klenkindy.

Marre and Badyenoch comprehend the breidth of Scotland, betwix the two seas." Sir
James Balfour's Collections, MS.]

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— MAR. 85

the river from east to west, are these : New Aberdeen, on the north
side of Dee ; half of Nether Banchory, (for the church and other
half are in The Merns, on the south side of Dee) ; Peterculter ; Dul-
niaok ; Kincardin ; Aboyne ; Glentaner, on the south side of Dee,
opposite to Aboyne, to which it is united ; Tullich and Glengarden,
united ; Glenmuick, on the south side of Dee, opposite to Glen-
garden, to which it is united ; Crathie and Kindrocht, united.

Parishes on Don, (in Mar properly so called,) as one goes up the
river from east to west, are these: On the south side of Don, Old
Aberdeen ; Newhills, but the church doth not stand, (as the rest,)
on the bank of the river ; Dyce ; Kinnellar ; Kintore ; Kemnay ;
Monimusk ; Cluny ; (here Alford bottom, spreading out itself on
both sides of Don, interrupts Mar) ; Cushnie ; Towie ; Strathdon,
but the parish runs out on both sides of Don. On the north side of
Don, Forbes, opposite to Cushnie ; Kildrummy, opposite to Towie ;
Glenbucket interrupts Strathdon on this side, having a part of it
above, and a part of it beneath it.

Parishes, between the two rivers, in the middle of Mar, properly
so called, are these : Skene ; Kinnernie ; Echt ; Midmar ; Leochel ;
Lumfannan.

Alford is a bottom lying on both sides of Don, surrounded with
four hills ; named from Alford, the chief parish in it, but containing
these four parishes : On the south side of Don, Touch ; Alford
proper. On the north side of Don, Keig, opposite to Touch ; Tulli-
nessil, opposite to Alford proper.

Cromar, that is Tlie Heart of Mar, either because it is the mid-
dle, or the choicest part of it, is a bottom lying between Dee and
Don, surrounded with four hills, and containing these three cures,
two of which are double : Tarlan and Migvie ; Logj^-Mar and
Colstane, now called Logy-Colstane ; Cowl.

The four hills of Cromar are [Craigliach, Ledlyk, Auchterfoul,]
and Morvin, (this word signifies The Great Hill,) which is the chief
of all, and a forest for pasture, and a landmark off at sea. Yet the
whole of Cromar is not within the four hills ; for Corse, (in Cowl,)

86 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

and Culwhuich, (in Migvie,) are without them ; and ther is like-
wise a part of this country which belongs to none of these three
cures, as particularly The Braes of Cromar, which are in Tullich.'

Braemar, that is The Height of Mar, is indeed what it is called,
and may be divided into two parts : the lower part, called Kin-
drocht, or the parish of Braemar ; and the upper part, which is
desert, and called The Forest of Mar, or of Braemar, abounding
with red-deer, and reaching up for about fifteen miles above that
part of Braemar which is inhabited.

Besides that of Braemar, Mar has also these forests : Stocket,
in New Aberdeen parish ; Tyrebagger, in Dyce parish ; Kintore,
in Kintore parish ; Brass, in Brass parish.

' [" Cro Mar. Cro Mar is environed with four lieiglie montans. viz., one the northe, with
Craigliache ; one the novili-weste, with Morcvine ; one the east, w-th Ledlyke ; on the
southe with The Skaire of Aughter Foiile. This prettey lille countiey layes in a bottome
plaine, surrounded of the ioresaid montaines, being four Scottes myles in lenthe and als much
in bredth, consisting of five parochial! churches ore parishes, viz. : 1. Logey Mar; 2. Col-
staine ; 3. Migvie ; 4. Tarland; and, 5. Coule. Hard by the parishe churche of Coule,
ther is to be seine the ruines of ane ancient grate castle, called Coule Castle, the cheife
duelling of the ancient Lordes Durward, of quhom wes descenoit Allanus Ostiaiius, Comes
Atholiae et Justiciavins Scotiae, regnante Alcxandro Undo Scottoriitn Rege, in anno 1230.

At the west end of Cio Mar laycs Loche Kendall, and Loche Dauan on the southe west
end of it. And southe from Loche Kendall layes CanaUyle,- a hunting housse of George
Marques of Huntley ; and ouer against it, on the syde of Moreveine, layes The Forrest of
Culblaine ; and some two myles to the southe of it layes Glentanner, for some sis myles
in lenthe, covered with hudge grate firre trees.

There is a small hill neir the west end of Cro Mar, named Knocke Argatey in Ruthuen,
one the tope of with ther is a stone, from wiohe one may behold all tlie five parishe
churches of Cro Mar ; and if he walke bot his lenthe from the place, aney way, he
cannot see the same.

The Cro Mar belongs to four heritours, viz. : the Marques of Huntley hes in it thirty-six
chalders wictual ; the Earl of Mar hes thivty-five chalder ; Lord Pitsligo hes thirty-six
chalders ; and the Laird of Drum hes thirty-six chalders of wictual." Sir James Balfour's
Collections, MS.]

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— FORMARTIN. 87

FORMARTIN.

Formartin, (quasi, Fochar-mar,) is so called, as lying in the neigh- Name.
bourhood of Mar ; for so the word, in Irish, signifies.

The arms born by its old possessors, the Prestons, were, argent, Arms,
three unicorns' heads erased, sable. These continued to be used
by Forbes of Tolquhon, their representative ; but whether it has
any properly feudal arms of its own, I know not.

It had the title of a Thanedom, while possessed by the Prestons ; Dignity.
the last of whom, Sir Henry Preston of Formartin, dying under
King James I., his daughter and heiress Marjory was married to
Sir John Forbes, first of the Forbeses of Tolquhon.

And it gives now the title of a Vicounty to the Earl of Aberdeen ;
Sir George Gordon of Haddo, barronet. Lord High Chancellour
of Scotland, being created Earl of Aberdeen, Viscount of Formar-
tin, and Lord Haddo, Methlick, Tarves, and Kellie, by King
Charles II., A. D. m.dclxxxii.

Tolquhon seems to have been the head castle of this district.

'Tis bounded with Don and Ythan, for about ten miles upward ; Bounds.
and after that, with the hills of Barra and Bethelny on the other
side, and

The soil is pretty level, but full of heaths, except towards Don Soil.
and Ythan, where it has good corn-fields,

It is about miles, long ; , broad ; and thirty, round. Dimensions.

Its parishes may be divided into such outer ones as lye on the its parishes.
border, and such inner ones as lye in the middle of the country.

The outer parishes are : part of Oldmachar ; Newmachar ; Fin-
tray ; part of Kinkell, with its church ; part of Monkeigie ; part
of Bourtie ; part of Bethelnie ; part of Fy vie ; part of Auchterless ;
Forgue ; Drumblait. Here Formartin ends as it were in a point ;
so that, in going round it, we must return back through the four
last named parishes, till, descending along Ythan, we find part of
Methlick, with its church ; part of Tarves, with its church ; part
of Ellon ; part of Logy-Buchan, with its present church, (for the old

88 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

church stood on the other side Ythan, in Buchan) ; Foveran, which,
lying on Ythan, has, between it and Ohl Machar, Belhelvie.

THE GARIOCH.

Name. Ihe Garioch is so called as being a rough ground ; for so the word

in Irish signifies. It gave surname to Garioch of Kinstair in
Alford, but whether he be chief or not, I know not.

Arms. Its arms are, or, a fesse chequee azure and argent, between three

antique crowns gules ; born by the Stewarts Earls of Mar as
Lords of The Garioch.

Dignity. It was made an Earldom by King Malcolm IV., in the person -of

his own brother, David Earl of Huntington ; but that prince soon
resigned this Earldom to the King for that of Angus. Henry of
Brechin, (so named from the place of his birth.) natural son to King
William, was made Earl of The Garioch by King Alexander II., but
his son and successor, Waldeu, dyed childless. William Cummin
was by King Alexander III. made Earl of (both Mar and) The
Garioch : but, after his forfeiture, it was made a Lordship and Re-
gality by King Robert I., in the person of his father-in-law,
Gratney, Earl of Mar and Lord of Garioch ; and since, it has still
gone along with that Earldom under the title of a Lordship.'

Soil. The soil is remarkably fruitful,- particularly along Gady and Ury:

and though in several places rugged and unequal, yet it abounds
with some of the best oats in Aberdeenshire.

Dimensions. It is about teu miles long ; eight, broad ; and thirty, round.

Boetius, (in Descriptione Scotiae,') speaking of The Garioch,

' [The Garioch gave name to one of the Royal Pursuiyants : " Gareoch Pursevant"
is mentioned in the Lord Treasurer's Accounts, under the date of the eleventh March,
1504.]

2 [" Gareotha, in valle quadani inter quatuor altissimos montes, sita, soli fertilitate fru-
menti tantam copiam quotannis efiundit, ut publicum, vicinae civitatis Aberdoniae, horreum
dici soleat." Joan. Leslaeus, De Rebus Gestis Scotorum, p. '29. Romae, 1675. 4to.]

3 [Fol. 7. edit. Paris, 1575. " In this regioun is ane carnell of stanis, Hand togidder,
in maner of ane croun ; and ringis, quhen they are doung, as ane bell. Ane tempill wes

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— THE GARIOCH. 89

says, " Est in eadem regione quodam in loco lapidura ingentium
corona admirandum in moduni sicut aes resonantium :" and Bishop
Lesley, (in Descriptione Scotiae,') says the same. But where the
circle of tingling stones is, (which, says Boetius, was reckoned by
antiquaries to have been a heathen temple,) I have not yet been
able to learn.

The parishes of The Garioch may be divided into such outer ones its parishes,
as lye on the borders of it, as one travels round it ; and such inner
ones as lye in the midst of it. But here it must be observed, that
though these outer parishes reach forth to the very skirts of
The Garioch, yet their churches lye much nearer the inner parts
of it, except only those of Inverury,

The outer parishes are : Inverury ; Logy-Durno ; part of Moni-
musk ; Oyne ; (here Alford bottom interrupts Garioch, as it runs
up along Don) ; Lesley ; Forbes ; Keirn ; Kinnethmont ; Culsa-
mond ; Rayn ; Daviot ; part of Bethelnie, with its church ; part
of Bourtie, with its church.

The inner parishes are Clatt ; Premney ; Inch.

The chief hill here is that of Bennachie, a mountain about seven Chief hill,
miles long, and lying in the parishes of Oyne, Premney, and Logy-
Durno. It has seven heads, the chief of which, being a round peak,
is called The Top ; which being seen afar off, and also affording a
wide prospect to one who stands upon it, has given occasion to the
name : for Bin-na-chie signifies the Hill of Sight, (though others
expound it The Hill of the Pap, because of the resemblance The
Top bears to a nipple) ; and accordingly ther is an old verse
which says,

" Ther are two landmarks off at sea,
Clochnabin * and Bennachie."

biggit, as sum men belevis, in the said place, quhare mony auld ritis and superstitionis wer
maid to evill spretis." Bellenden's Translation of Boeco, vol. i., p. xl. Mr. Maitland's
edit. Edinb. 1821. 4to.]

' [P. 29, edit. Romae, 1675. 4to.]

* In Strachan parish.

90 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

This was one of the King's forests of old, and is full of moss still :
and begins now again to be planted with firrs. It now affords
pasture to the^sheep of the neighbouring gentry, but is greatly in-
fested with foxes. Here is a rock which affords a sort of coarse
diamond, of the black kind.'

1 [" The Gareoche. Next Marre, upon north, lyes the countrey of The Gareoch, a
pairt of the sheriffdome of Aberdeine ; quhairin lyes the towne of Innerury, with the
castells of Balquhan, Fetthernere, Caskybane, Auchencrift', Meldrum, Pitcaple, Hartehill ;
From wich, not far distant, is the highest mountane in all the north of Scottland, callid
Bannochj', the first knowen land appearing to seamen coming from the east countries.
Then may ye, having passed this mountain, weiwe the castells of Lesly ; Wardes ; the
ancient castle of Dundure, (seated on a high mountain, called the Goldin Mountain, by
ressoune that the sheep that pasture on it, ther teith are so extraordinary yellow as they
wer quhoUy guilded over) ; Druminnor Castle, the Lord Forbes residence." Sir James
Balfour's Collections, MS.

" A DESCRIPTION OF THE GAKIOCH.

That part of the countrey, in the shire of Aberdeen, called by the name of The Garioch,
is in length about fifteen miles, reckoning from the west part of it, which begines two miles
above Castle Forbes, according to some, (though others reckon it bounded to the west by
the small burn that runs hard by Castle Forbes, making Castle Forbes and all above it a part
of Marr, and not of The Garioch,) to the east end of it, a mile below the house of Meldrum.

'Tis bounded on the west by the small river of Boggie, which takes its rise from se-
veral burns ; one part of which springs from a hill called the Buck of The Cabrach, and the
rest of them from the hills of Clova ; and all meet at the church of Auchindore, and after
are called by the name of Boggie ; which runs along the head of The Garioch, and falls into
the greater river of Doveran, immediately below Huntley Castle.

It is bounded on the north by a ridge of hills from west to east, viz., the hills of
Kinethmount, Malshach, Foudlan, Culsalmon, Tyllymorgan, Cross of Jackstoun, and hills
of Bethelnie.

It is bounded on the south by another ridge of hills, and a part of the liver Done.
The hills from west to east are, Currine, Sowiehill, hills of Leslie, Edingarrick, Brinnie,
Bennochie alias Benduphigh ; which last is so called from its height, and is upwards of
four miles in length, from Liklyhead to Pittodry, and is one of the King's forrests. It
has, at the east end of it, a remarkable promontory, far above the rest of the hill, commonly
called The Top of Bennochie, and is a landmark observed by seamen. And here are some-
time found stones, not unlike those called Bristol stones, which are sett in rings ; though
not altogether so very fine, yet little inferior. By the east side of this Top the countrey
of The Garioch extends southward the length of the water of Done ; which bounds a part of it
on the south and south-east, from Tillifour to below Kinkell. It is bounded on the east, from
south to north, by a countrey, in the same shu'e, called Formartine ; in which the parishes of

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS—BUCHAN. 91

BUCHAN.

Buchan is so called, because, abounding of old in /^sture, it paid Name,
its rent in cattle ; for the word, in Irish, signifies cow-tribute.
" Buchania, (sic dicta,) quod magnum e bubus vectigal penderet,"
says Buchanan.'

But, coming afterward to abound in corn fields, this was repre- Arms,
sented, in heraldry, by sheaves ; its arms being, azure, three garbs,
or. These garbs, (or bundles,) some reckon to be of the herb
cummin, and so the family arms of the Cummins.*

And, indeed, it so abounds with oats, at this day, though not of Character.
the richest kind, (being of that sort which is called small com,
except on the coast, where they enrich the soil with wreck,) that it
is sometimes called proverbially The Granary of Scotland, and, at
other times. The Land of Cakes. The people are remarkably
plain and hospitable ; and 'tis observed that the very common herds-
men make good soldiers.

It was a Thanedom ; an Earldom, First, Dignity.

in the person of the Cummins ; William Cummin being created
Earl of Buchan by King William, and also Justitiary of Scotland.
Second, in the person of the Stewarts ; John Stewart, son to
Robert Duke of Albany, being created Earl of Buchan and Con-
stable of France. This Earl of Buchan made a great figure
abroad, and, perhaps, gave occasion to Ariosto to introduce the

Fintray, New Machar, Tarves, and Methlick, which bound the east part of The Gar-
rioch, do lye.

In this countrey of The Garioch are sixteen parishes, which shall be described as they lye,
from west to east, viz., Kern ; Clatt ; Kinethinont ; Leslie ; Premnay ; Insch ; Culsalmon ;
Rain j Oyne ; Chappel of The Garioch ; Inverury ; Kinkell ; Keith-hall alias Montkeigie ;
Bourtie ; Daviot ; Meldrum alias Bethelnie." Description of The Garioch, ' by Mr.
Gordon, minister of Alford, 1724, and Mr. William Robertson,' in Macfarlane's Geogra-
phical Collections, vol. i., MS., Advocates' Library.]

' [Rerum Scoticarum Historia, lib. v., cap. viii.]
* M'Kenzie's Heraldry.

92 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Earl of Buclian among the auxiliaries sent from Scotland to Char-
lemaign, against tlie Turks ; for so lie writes,

" Quell' avoltor che un drago verde lania,
E r insegna del eonte di Boccania."

Orlando Furioso, canto x. [stan. 86.]

But, he being slain at the battle of Vermeuil, by the English.
George Seton of Seton, (ancestor to the Earl of Winton,) having
married his only daughter, Jane ; whence that family still continues
to carry the arms of Buchan, as a coat of pretence, though the
Earldom itself was denyed them by the King : so that, about A. D.
M.cccc.LVii., King James II. created James,' second son to John
Stewart, the Black Knight of Lorn, and Queen Jane, (widow to
King James I.,) Earl of Buchan: who, by Margaret, daughter and
heiress of Sir Alexander Ogilvy of Auchterhouse, had Alexander
Earl of Buchan, quhose great grandson, John, Master of Buchan,
was slain at Pinkie, A. D. m.d.xlvii., leaving one daughter, Chris-
tian. TJiird, in that of the Douglasses; Robert Douglass, (son to
William Douglass of Lochlevin,) having married the said Christian,
and thereby became Earl. His son, Earl James, had but one
daughter, Mary. Fourth, in that of the Erskins ; James Erskin,
eldest son to John Duke of Mar, (by his second wife, Mary,
daughter to Esme, Duke of Lennox,) having married the said Mary
Douglass, and so become Earl.

Boetius, (in Descriptione Scotiae,'^) writes, that no rat could live

' [It appears that he was nicknamed " Lord Jakke " : " Steward pater Jacolii comitis
de Buchan, alias vocati Lord Jakke." (' Deed in a private charter chest,' cited by Mr.
Riddell, in his ' Reply to tlie Misstatements of Dr. Hamilton of Bardowie, in his late Me-
moirs of the House of Hamilton, corrected,' p. 25. Edinb. 1828. 4to.)]

- [Fo. 5 : " Nullus in hac regione mus maior conspicitur, nee si importetur vitam ducere
illic potest." " Na rattonis ar sene in this cuntre; and, als sone as thay ar brocht thair,
thay de." (Bellenden, vol. i., p. xxxv.) Buchan was not the only district that was fabled
to be free from this noxious animal. " Ther is not a ratt in Sutherland," wrote Sir Robert
Gordon, in the seventeenth century ; " and, if they doe come thither in shipps, from other
pairts, (which often happeneth,) they die presentlie, how soone they doe smell of the aire of

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— BUCHAN. 93

in Buchan. Whether it was so in his days, I know not ; but in
ours, we find it has no such privilege. He adds, that ther is a sort
of wild oats common here, which, if the reapers go purposely and
in concert to cut down, they are disappointed, and find nothing but
husks ; but if one of them goes secretly, without letting any body
know before hand, he then finds the oats safe.' All wild oats, in
general, are soon shaken with the wind, and are gone before they
can be reapt ; but as to Boetius's story, it is a fable, reported by
the vulgar, not in Buchan only, but wherever wild oats grow :
which it was not worth his while to have taken notice of.

Its parishes may be divided into outer and inner. Its parishes.

The outer parishes are such as lye on the skirts ; which lye, first,
on the eastern border, along the sea, thus : (Furvie, now overblowTi
with sand, so that the name is well nigh forgot) ; Slains ; Cruden ;
Peterhead ; (Saint Fergus, which is reckoned in Banfshire) ; Cri-
mond ; Longmey ; Rathin ; Frasersburgh ; Pitsligo ; Aberdour ;
(Ghamry, which is reckoned in Banfshire).

Next follows the parishes which lye between Dovern and Ythan,
as one travels the western borders of Buchan : (part of Forglen,
with its church, the whole parish being reckoned in Banfshire) ;
Kingedward ; Turrifi".

Then follows the parishes which lye along Ythan, on the border

that countrey." (Genealogical History of the Earldom of Sutherland, p. 7. Edinb. 1«13.
fol.) In 1769, Pennant, the naturalist, was informed " that no rats had hitherto been ob-
served in Breadalbane." (Pennant's Tour in Scotland, in Pinkerton's Voyages and
Travels, vol. iii., p. 48.) See also the Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. iv., p. 76;
vol. X., p. 269 : " From a prevailing opinion that the soil of this parish [Roseneath] is
hostile to that animal, some years ago, a West India planter actually carried out to Jamaica
several casks of Roseneath earth, with a view to kill the rats, that were destroying his
sugar-canes." See Burt's Letters from Scotland, vol. i., p. 55. edit. Lond. 1815. 8vo.]

' [Fo. 5. " In Buchquhane growls aitis but ony tilth or seid. Quhen the peple passis
with set purpos to scheir thir aitis, tbay find nocht but tume hulUs ; yit quhen thay pas but
ony premiditatioun, thay find thir aitis ful and well ripit. Thir thingis cumis nocht be
nature, but erar be illusioun of devillis, to the dissait of blind and supersticius pepill."
Bellenden, vol. i., p. xxxv.]

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

of Buchan, thus : part of Auchterless, with its church ; part of
Fyvie, with its church ; part of Methlick ; part of Tarves ; part of
Logic ; part of Ellon, with its church.

The inner parishes of Buchan are these : Longside ; Old Deer ;
New Deer ; Strechin.

The chief hill here is Mormond, which means the same with
Ormond, both signifying, in Irish, The Great Mount. It is covered
with heath, and very broad, being reckoned twelve miles in circum-
ference, (for ther is a part of it in each of these four parishes,
Strechin, Fraserburgh, Rathin, and Longside) ; but it is not at
all high.

[an account of buchan and what is remarkable therein. '

All that countrey in old time was called Buchan, which lyeth betwixt the rivers
Don and Diveran. The first emptieth itself into the ocean at Old Aberdeen ; the
other, at the town of BanifF. But now, generally, what is betwixt Don and Ythan
is called Formartine ; and that only hath the name of Buchan, which is found be-
twixt Ythan and Diveran. The mouth of Ythan is some twelve or fourteen miles
more northwards than Don ; and from that to Diveran, along the sea coast, will
be about thirty six miles.
2_ This countrey is neither altogether high nor levell, but rather a mixture of both.

Its nature and Towards the head, it is somewhat an hilly countrej' ; but downward to the sea, it is
situation. more low and plain, without any considerable risings, except that of Mormounth,

a great hill within some six miles of Fraserburgh. That land which lyeth along
the sea coast, is generally a clay soil ; the rest, for the most part, is moss and
moor, and full of bogs and marishes.
3. At present there is little or no planting here, except about gentlemens dwelling

What planting houses, and but little of that too ; yet it seems to have been otherwise of old ; for
not only aged persons tell of considerable woods that have been in this countrey,
but also the stumps of the trees are in some places still to be seen ; and, in all the
mosses, are found trees which the countrey people digg out both for fe\\ el and other
uses. The trees which they find are not all of one kind : they be, some, birch ;
some, oak ; some, elm ; and some, fir. They will be many feet under ground, but

What coun-
trey is called
Buchan.

' [From Sir Robert Sibbald's Collections, MS. Advocate's Library. It is ascribed by
the Archbishop of Cashel, apparently on the authority of Sibbald, to the Countess of Erroll,
Lady Anne Drummond, wife of John, twelfth Earl of Errol. (Nicolson's Scottish Historical
Library, p. 57. Lend. 1702. 8vo.) It was written probably about the year 1680.]

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— BUCH AN. 95

when they are taken out, very fresh, only wanting the bark. In the dewy morn- A remarkable
ings, when the ground will be wet with dew, it will yet be dry above where the thing of the
tree lyeth ; so that the people know where to digg for them, and before hand will S"^^ ^^^^^ '"
be able to tell what sort the tree is of, and how many branches it hath. This
seems strange indeed ; but I had it reported to me for a truth by severall gentle-
men, and other understanding persons, among the commons.

The soil, where it is well laboured, is generally fertile enough, and might be 4.

improven, had they the benefit of lime, and such hke, for manuring it. About the """' '^ft'le-
coast side, they make much use of sea ware for dunging the land ; in other places,
they cast fail in one peice of ground, and lay it on another ; and because they
have plenty of moss and moor, thej' often ear' and burn them ; and, in such burnt
land, they will have incredible increase, sixteen or twenty bolls after one bolls
sowing.^

All kinds of grain grow here, which grow any where else within the Kingdom ; ^
but yet there are but small quantities of wheat and pease sown. The commons. Grain,
generally, are ignorant of the use and benefit of this last grain, which is the rea-
son they so much neglect it. The grain which grows most plentifully is oats,
some of which they have good and fair ; but they have another sort again, long,
small, and very black, which strangers would hardly give to their horses ; and yet
the inhabitants make very good meal thereof. Sometimes they sow bear and reap
oats, but it is not every kind of bear that doth this, but a peculiar sort which is
called barley oats. „

There is in this countrey abundance of fowl, both wild and tame ; as also, all Fowl and
sort of bestial, horse, sheep, and neat, but all of a very small size. cattel.

Buchan is very well watered ; for there be, every where, plenty of wells and 7.

water springs, and little rivulets running along the land. But, besides Diveran and "^^ watered.
Ythan, which bound it, there is only one river to be taken notice of, viz. Ugy,
some twelve miles from Ythan, which runneth about fifteen or eighteen miles, and
then disgorgeth itself into the sea, near Peterhead. Its head is divided into two
branches, ordinarily called The Fore and Back water of Ugy. They unite within
four or five miles of the mouth. In this water there be many salmon, so that the
Earl Marischall, who is proprietor, will be able yearly to sell about fifty or sixty
barrels.

This countrey is well peopled ; for all things necessary to life are easily had here. 8.

The occupation of the men, whether gentry or commons, is labouring and hus- } f '""phi-

, , ,.., ,,.j ta"ts and then-

bandry ; other trades, except what is simplj' necessary, are scarce plyed. And, occupation.

generally, all are accustomed to learn and practise so much of these as serves their

own turns, that there is little encouragement for arts and trades here. Victual,

{_Ear, plough, or till.] " [See above, p. 4.]

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Employment
of the women.

What towns in
Buchan.

Ellon.

Old Deer.
An Abbey.

Turreff.

Peterhead.
Its well.

High water.
Fraserburgh.

Rosarty.

10.

What shire
Buchan be-
lonars to.

then, is all the product of this countrey ; and when it giveth a good price, then it
goeth well with the masters and heritours ; but when it is otherwise, they are ordi-
narily much straitned for money. The women of tliis countrey are mostly em-
ployed in spinning and working of stockings, and making of plaiden webs, which
the Aberdeen merchants carry over sea ; and it is this which bringeth money to the
commons : other ways of getting it they have not.

There are no Royal burghs, or burghs of Regality, in this countrey ; but there
are several towns and villages, notour and famous enough, viz. Ellon, Old
Deer, Turreffe, Peterhead, Rosarty, Fraserburgh.

Ellon is a small village, belonging now to the lairds of Watertoun, which stands
hard upon Eythen ; at which there be these considerable and beneficial mercats,
Rood fair, and Marymass fair.

Next is Old Deer, which stands upon Ugy. It belongs to the Earle Marischall.
Two of the greatest fairs of the Kingdom hold here, viz. Aikie fair, in summer, and
St. Dunstan fair, in winter. Here there stood of old a Monastery, about a quarter
of a mile from the town. The mines thereof are still to be seen. It seems not to
have had fine buildings ; but there were many of them. Its revenue was very con-
siderable. The first founder was Cumin, Earle of Buchan. Their monks were of
the Cistercian order ; and the second son to the Earle Marischall was always Lord
Commendator.' Earle George had the gift of its lands and rents from King James
the Sixt, in compensation of the expense he was at in expeding the marriage with
Anne of Denmark. But the gift was but small, considering that, by the founda-
tion of the house, the second son was superiour thereof.'

Turreff stands near to Diveran, and belongs to the Earle of Errol. There was an
Hospitall of old here. Near to this town is Dalgety, where Errol sometimes lives.

Peterhead is a sea town, erected into a barony by the foresaid Earle George
Marischall ; and his successours are still superiours thereof. As for the well that
is here, it is to be remembred that there be severall others of the same kind in
other places of this countrey ; as, particularly, in the parish of Old and New- Deer,
though their tincture is not so high. It is high water here when the moon is direct
south.

Some twelve miles from Peterhead lyes Fraserburgh, which hath a dependence
upon my Lord Saltoun, formerly the lairds of Philorth. There is a safe harbour
here ; and the shipping and trade of this town is increased much of late.

Roseharty is a small little fisher town, pertaining to the Lord Pitsligo, which he
designs to enlarge, and to build a safe harbour thereat.

Buchan is neither an entire shire of itself, nor doth it appertain all to one, but to
two distinct shires. That which is besouth Ugy, answers to the sheriffdom of
Aberdeen, and the other side to Bamf.'

1 [This is

er an error.]

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— BUCHAN. 97

All Buchan belongs to the Diocese of Aberdeen; and there be three several U.

presbytery seats in it, viz. Ellon, Old Deer, Turreff. Diocese, and

Ellon containeth eight parishes : Methlic ; Tarvas ; Udny ; Foverain ; Logy 'g^jg
Buchan ; Ellon ; Cruden ; and Slains. But the churches of these three last, only. Parish chur-
stand within Buchan ; the rest are in Formartine. ches in Ellon

Old Deer containeth thirteen parishes, all lying within Buchan, viz. Old Deer ; F^'^pytery-
Auchredy, or New Deer ; Strechin ; Longside ; Peterhead ; St. Fergus ; Crimond, ches in Deer
Lonmay ; Rathen ; Tyrie ; Fraserburgh ; Pitsligo ; Aberdour. presbytery.

Turreff containeth the parishes of Turref; Monwhitter ; Fivie ; Forgue ; Auch- u • %"' ■«■
terles ; Drumblait ; King Edward ; Forglin ; Gamrie ; Ava. But they do not presbytery,
all belong to what is called Buchan.

These noblemen reside and have their interests in Buchan : Errol, whose dwel- 12.

ling house is the Bownes, which is hard upon the sea, so that its waves will man\' What noble-
times blow over the house : he liveth some time also at Dalgety, and had the
castle of Slains of old, but it is now demolished : Marischall, whose dwelling
house is Inverugy, over against w hich is The Craig, a fine house, but it was ruined
in the late troubles : Saltoun, who lives at Philorth ; and Pitsligo, at Pitsligo.
The Earles of Buchan were both very ancient and very great ; but he who hath
now that title, is of late standing, and hath no fortune.

The things most remarkable in Buchan, seem to be, 1 . The parish of Forvey, 13.
which is wholly overblown with sand ; and, it is said that the sand and sea is en- a'"i"ss.
croaching upon many places. 2. The dropping cave of Slains. 3. Bullers
Buchan, near to the Bownes. 4. The well of Peterhead. 5. The multitude of
selchs which come in at Strabegge. 6. Eagles which build in the Craigs of
Pennan.

The sea coast runs north east to Peterhead, which is the eastmost place in all '*•

Scotland. From Peterhead to Fraserburgh it is somewhat westerly ; afterwards, " ^ '

plat west.

As there are much fish in this coast, so whales are seen in it. This year one '5.

was taken, at Peterhead, which had run between two rocks, of seventy foots ; and .- , ,/' .

•' lound therein,

the fishers reported to have seen them in great numbers. The sea casts up here

the bone called the cuttle bone, and that blackish or brown shell or nut, wherein

they ordinarily use to keep snuff.

Some years ago, at Pitsligo, there was seen two mermaids by Mr. Alexander 16.

Robertson, Pitshgo's chaplain ; an Englishman ; and another person. What the '"•^''™^'"5'

other are, I know not ; but the first is known to be ingenuous. There was one also

seen in the river of Don, many days together, about the beginning of the late

troubles, as severall persons yet living will attest. '

[" In the moneth of June [16.33], there was sein in the river of Done, ane monster like ' A monster seen

98 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

DESCRIPTION OF THE COITNTEIES OF BUCHAN, BY MB. ALEXANDER HEPBURN.
M.DCC.XXI.'

The countrey called Buthquhain, is a corner of Scotland lying in the shire of
Aberdeen, to the north east. The river Ithan borders it towards the south and
south west ; and divides it from Formartine on the south, and from The Garioch
on the south west. It is washed on the east by the German sea, along the coast,
northward from the mouth of Ithan to the town of Frazerburgh, twenty four miles ;
and then its coast lyes directly west from Frazerburgh to the river Divern, for the
space of sixteen miles, and is washed by the northern ocean ; so that the whole
coast of Buthquhain contains a tract of forty miles in length. The Divern borders
it on the west and northwest, and divides it from The Boyn.

The breadth of it from Peterhead on the east, to the kirk of Auchterlesse, on
the river Ithan, to the south west, or to Laithers, near to Divern, on the north
west, contains about twenty one miles.

It's to be observed, that every parish on the Buthquhan coast hath one fisher toun
at least, and many of them have two. The seas abound with fishes, such as killing ;
leing ; codfish, small and great ; turbet ; scate ; mackrell ; haddocks ; whittings ; flooks ;
sea dogs, and sea catts ; herrings ; seaths ; podlers ; gaudnes ; lobsters ; partens ; and
several others. Likewise, all the rivers in Buthquhan abound with fresh water
fishes, such as eels, trouts, flooks, and pearle shells. The two rivers, Ithan and
Rattray, have great plenty of cockles and mussels. I must not forget to tell you,
that there are here, along the sea coast, a great many sea calves. There is no
such fishing round the island, as we have in our Buthquhan coast; nor any such
place for drying, salting, and curing fish for export, as the toun of Peterhead.

The greatest part of the coast of Buthquhan is rock, and abounds with sea

In Don. The de- beast, haveing the head like to ane great mastiff dog or swyne, and hands, armes, and papes
scription thereof. j[].g j.^ ^^^^ ^^^ . j^^j^j jj^g p^pgg seimed to be whyte ; it had hair on the head and hinder
ing above the pairts ; was sein sometimes above the waiter, whilk seimed clubbish, short legged, and short

water. The peo. foo^gj ^.jtjj gjjg i^^iw. This monster was sein swimming, body like, above the watter, about

pie cast stones, ^ *"

and shoot at it ; ten hours in the morning, and continowed all day visible, swimming above and beneath the

but all in vain, bridge, without any fear. The toun's people of both Aberdeins came out, in great multi-
it remained two .

days. A prodl- tudes, to see this monster ; some threw stones ; some shott guns and pistolls ; and the
gious token for galmond fishers rowed cobles with nets to catch it, but all in vain. It never shrinked nor
feared, but would dowk under the water, snorting and bullering, terrible to the hearers and
beholders. It remained two dayes, and was sein no more. But it appears this monster
came for no good token to noble Aberdein, for sore was the same oppressed be great troubles
that fell in the land, and great skaith they sustained be shipwrack." Spalding's History of
the Troubles in Scotland, vol. i., pp. 36, 37. Edinb. 1828. 4to.]

1 [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, vol. i. MS. Advocates' Library.]

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— BUCHAN. 99

fowles of several kinds. Where the rocks are not, the coast is sandie. The sea
being tossed with an east and north wind, yeilds a great quantity of salt water
weeds, which the country call ware ; it fattens the ground and makes it yeild
plentifully. The soil near the coast, for the most part, is deep clay, and very
fertile : it produces aboundantly, barley, oates, wheat, rye, and pease ; but the
inhabitants labour most for bear and oates. The gardens in it likewise abound
with roots, small fruit, and herbs ; and, in some of them, there are apples, pyres,
prunes.

To the westward, the ground is not fertile, except in some places ; yet the
countreys affoord bread, with ba^ly for malt liquor, sufficient for the inhabitants ;
with severall thousand bolls of grain to be exported yearly for the benefite of
others. There is likewise in it plenty of black cattel, of which many are carried
to other places. There is in it great store of sheep ; but the people consume
most of the wool, so that there is little exported. There is a great deal of black
earth thorow the countrey, which the people call moss ; and this, being digged
up, and drj^ed in the summer time, burns like wood or coal, and serves the in-
habitants plentifully for feuile. I must not forget that there are with us abun-
dance of swine ; of which, some are carried off to Aberdeen ; some, are salted
and exported ; and others, are used by the inhabitants. We have likewise cocks,
hens, turkies, geese, ducks, and wild fowle : so that, if we consider the vast fishing
in our seas, the great quantity of grain, beef, moutain, pork, pullet, venison, roots,
and herbs, with conveniency of feuile, Buthquhan may be justly reckoned the
best place in Scotland for a man to live in.

an account of the north stoe of the coast of buchan. by alexander
garden of troup. m.dc.lxxxiii.'
Sir,

All the account I can render you, at present, concerning the ])art of
the Kingdome we live in, is scarce of any remark, unless I could give a particular
account of our sea foules, shell fishes, and white fishes ; all which we have in
great abundance ; and I shall endeavour, (if you can procure me a sight of what
accounts ai'e alreadie of things of that natiu-e,) to give you a particular account
how they hold good as to the figures, quantity, maner of production and tyme
thereof, their feeding, and the time they are found with us : all which I can neither
so easily nor exactly perform, before the sight of what accounts are alreadie pub-
lished.

Our sea fouls, except very few kinds of them, remove from us about the fif-
teenth of August ; and we do not see them again till about the first of March.

' [From Sir Robert Sibbald's Collections. MS. Advocates' Library.]

100 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

We have several kinds of them ; but the names we term them by, I question if
they be known by them elsewhere : however, they are as follows :

The scrath, the budoch, are two great black fowls ; the coot ; the sea coulter ;
the taster: these five, when they seek their prey, or are pursued, dive under water,
and making use of their wings do swim or rather flie under water, with verie great
celerity. We have also the maw, and the grey maw, which is bigger than the
other maw ; the sea cock ; the kitiwiack ; and whap : these five do not dive under
water. Of all these, except the sea cock, and seldom that, the whap, the budoch,
the two kind of maws, and the taster, we see none in the winter time. We are
not in use of eating any of these fowls, tliough severals of them oftimes be killed
at sport, except the kitiwiak, whilst young, than which there is, in many mens
thoughts, no better flesh eaten. The whap also uses to be eaten ; but I think it
should hardly be termed a sea fowl. The eggs of the cock and maw use also to
be eaten.

Of shell fishes we have the lobster ; the partan, or rodach ; the craib. Of
buckles or wilks, we have but one kind, or two at most, if they be different ; the
one being long and large, the other round and lesser, both of a greyish colour ;
the lempitt, and little kind of mussell ; the sea burr ; the claim shell ; and the
great black cockle. The craib differs from the partan in nothing, but that it is of
a greenish colour, and has no great toes to grip with, as the other. Of all these,
if you think fitt, you may have the shells. Of themselves I can give little or no
account, nor of the time they spawn, having never observed it ; but the lobster is
best with us in the beginning of May, at which time they have their ranns, and
are catched with any kind of fish, at rock foots, under water, and not that only, but
far out in the sea ; for they use to take hold of the seamen's lines, and are pulled
up. The partans are best about August. Of these shell fishes we used to eat
none, but the two last, with the clam and the great cockle, which two last are but
very seldom found here. Of all these shell fishes our seamen make bait, but
mostly of the lempitt, muscle, and buckie or wilks ; which they gather in great
abundance, upon outrocks, in summer time, and sow them upon rocks they can
reach to, dry foot, at low water, for furnishing themselves with bait, in winter.
They also make use of a worm, called lug, digged out of the sands, at low water ;
and from May to August they make most use of the sand eel, which they esteem
preferable to any other. In winter, salt mackrell do very well.

The sea affords white fishes here in abundance, which are keeling, skaitt,
turbett, and codfish. This they call their great fish ; whereof they begin the
fishing about the later end of Februar, making use of other fishes for bait, and
especially haddocks ; and continue it till the dog fish come in, which at the
farthest is about Lambas, and remove at Hallowday, or the first of November, at
farthest. This fisli, fortie years agoe, was not known upon this coast ; and, at

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— BUCHAN. lOl

first, was admired. When he comes, our seamen are necessitate to quit the
fishing of all other except himself ; for he destroys what is fast upon their hooks,
and cutts their lines. But they fish himself with some advantage ; for, though his
flesh be not for meat, yet he affords some oyle, viz., a dozen of them, about a
Scots muchkiu at least.

We have also haddocks, whitings, with another kind of fish not known on
this coast till of late, which we term carps, which come in with the mackrell. We
have also the seath fish, mackreel, and flook. These we call our small fishes.
The fishing of the three first, with the young cod fish and flook, does begin when
the dog removes, and continues till the great fishing begin. Then both the fishing
of great and small fishes continues till the dog returns. The haddock spawns
in Januar, and is not thought good thereafter till May. Whitings and flooks are
most common with us in the summer time. The small fishes are found within a
mile of the shoar, but the great fishes at a greater distance. The seath fish is
catched at the foot of rocks, close by the shoar ; and is only found upon this coast
in May, June, and July. About the latter end of July the mackrell returns; and,
for bait, is fished with a peice of her own belly. They can also be catched with
other fish : they are lean when they come first, but they fatten here.

This part of the coast Ij'es very near east and west ; for, with a compass, from
the top of a high rock hard by this place,' we found that the point of Rose-
heartie, six miles eastward, and the north side of the Binnhill,^ being within a mile
and a half of the sea, and seventeen miles westward, did lye in a straight line east
and west. This was tried about three years agoe ; what variation the needle then
had, I know not.

This place of the country is very mountainous, and the sea rocks are very steep
and high ; some of them reaching to the height of six score fourteen, or seven
score ells, Flanders measure. Of this height is the hill of Gamrie, where the
Danes, at their landing, received a repulse by the thane of Buchan, as Boetius
mentions. Of this battell, or rather skirmish, we have this day no great monu-
ments, save towards the top of the forsaid rock, there are some holes in the earth
that bear the name of Blodie Pots ; and eastwards a myle, there is another artificial
pairt which bears the name of Clowdans. Here are some sculls which are built upon
the wall of the church of Gamrie, and said to be placed there in memorie of the
victory.

Other rocks we have none that reach this height, by twenty-four ells; for I had
the curiosity to try them with a cord. All these rocks are very well replenished
with sea fowls, and doves, in them ; also holds a faulcon yearly, at a place two
miles eastward from Gamrie. Near two myles eastward of which, holds an eagle of

' [Troup.] 2 [Near Cullen of Boyne.j

102 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

the largest size, in the rocks of Pennan ; some places whereof afford very good mill-
stone, that certainly there are none better, if any so good in Scotland : they are
of a grayish colour, enclining to red. Some places of these rocks afford stones for
building, but in no great abundance, except the forsaid hill of Pennan ; so that all
our rocks are altogether useless, affording neither slate, nor qu«me stone. The
forsaid hill of Ganirie is of the slate kind ; but they are so brittle that they serve
for little or no use. The rest of our rocks are either of a black hard rook, and as
it were congealed heaps of peebles, or a soft and reddish coloured rock. Our sea
fowls frequent most the black rocks ; for our slate kind of rocks, and reddish, are
not so much frequented by them.

The several positions and postures of the beds of rocks are as observable here,
as in most places ; and severall great rocks may be manifestly perceived once to
have been whole ; at least it appears so to me, though now torn asunder. Several
of the great caverns or natural vaults, which are in great abundance amongst
these rocks, are replenished with a white firm stone, and very hard ; and it affords
the best lime, but here we make not much use of it, it not being to be had in any
considerable quantity. It evidently appears, sometime, to have been a fluid,
being always seen hanging from the tops of these vaults in such form as the
congealed drops in frost hang at houses, with this only difference : in these stones,
I oftimes observed a hollowness to the length, as the pillar of stone hangs ; the
hoUowness would have been no bigger than the core of a tree. From Gamrie,
westwards, the coast descends, so that, within three miles of it, the sea banks are
very low. Thus it is, also, from Pennan, eastwards.

The seahere affords several kinds of plants, growing on rocks, under water, which
we term under one name of ware. This the sea casts in, in great abundance ; and
there is no better dung for land than it proves ; four hundred load being sufficient for
an acre. We have nothing else cast in by the sea, of any remark ; save firr, that has
lyen long in the sea. We find it, when cast in, very much overgrown with a kind of
shell fish, which are rooted in the stock by a trunk of flesh, or ressembling flesh, about
two inches long, in so much that, when cut or broke ofi", it will bleed. The shells
of this fish doe somewhat represent the wings of a fowl ; and, in the end of it,
farthest from the tree, it hath a membrane, which I suppose to be the gill, but it
represents the train of a fowl. These two, with the trunk of flesh, which some
think to be the neck, gives occasion to that conjecture of this being a kind of the
clack geese production. But sure it is not so ; for we never find this creature
bigger than about the quantity of a mans nail ; but we will find them much
lesse. However, these trees bear the name of clack firr. In summer time we see
abundance of sea nettles, floating in the water, with long roots at them. I know
nothing of their production ; but their substance is like the white of an egg, but
by far more strong and firm. It is sometime cast in among ware. It prejudges
the hands, if much touched.

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— BUCHAN. 103

Betwixt tlie watermouth of Devern, six miles westward of this, and tlie church
of Raithen, nine miles eastwards of this, alongst the coast, or at least within a
mile or two of it, are severall verie great heaps of stones ; the biggest of which
is Cairnbo, thrie miles westward of this. It will be, of perpendicular height,
from top to bottom, 'twixt twenty-nine and thirty foots, English measure. Of
these, in the forsaid bounds, there are seven or eight, besides several other lesser
mounts of earth and stone. The common tradition is, that these were the
sumptuous tombs of our ancestors ; but it is somewhat odd, so many of them in
so little bounds.

In severall places, through Scotland, there are to be seen very great stones,
(that it is wonderful! how men could have moved them,) brought together, and
set on end ; some, one way ; and some, another ; and, for the most part, on tops
or risings of hills. It is the common tradition, that they have been the places of
Pagan sacrifices ; for it is like that it hath been a ceremonie of the Heathen worship
to be on high places. I never minded to observe if there could be any footsteps
of tire perceived on these stones. We find Jacob set up a stone, (Genesis,
xxviii. 18.) ; and if this have been a cerimonie of religion in these days, as is
lyke, the Pagan idolatry, no doubt, has had something in imitation thereof.

This place of the country is full of dens, and rysings of grounds ; so that, for
the most part, all our cornfeilds lie very dry, so that they can be none of the
most fertile ; for the husbandman, who payes the two part of the value of his
seed, is thought to have a dear valued possession ; and they who pay the half, or
less, are thought to have very cheap ones. Yet some of them are not able to pay
so much ; and we have some grounds again so fertile, that, if there were any
considerable quantity so, the husband would be able easily to pay the double.

We have also, as most part of Scotland hath, much barren ground, almost
wholly useless, aftbrding nothing but some short heath, with very little grass
amongst it ; so that ane acre of it were too little pasture for one sheep. In this
kind of ground, for the most part, are all our mosses ; of which we make fewell.
This kind of earth, before it be cast up, it is all one which way it be cut, because
of its great moisture and softness. I believe it cutts easiest, when cut even
down, because that goes with the roots of the grass, with which some mosses are
much replenished ; but, when it is win, and made dry, it is found that it lyes in
beds, even as rocks do ; and I suppose these beds follow the levell or inclination
of the soil which they lye upon. However, it is certain that it hath such beds,
and will cleave more easily one way than another, even as rocks will do ; as also
in the very best of moss grounds, which are ever on the tops of hills, whose
peits, when dry, are exceeding hard, and will suffer stress unbroken as well as
brick ; yet such of them, as are cast downwards from top to bottom, are so brittle,

104 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

that they will hardly carrie home; they are so apt to break. Some of this kind
of earth is found commonly in low marish ground, with a green seroof. These
mosses are not so good for fewel, but they are better for pasture than our hill
mosses, overgrown with heath. However, our hill mosses afford a long small
grass, about the breadth of a straw, and a foot or two high, which cattle feed upon
greedily ; so that some mosses are so weel replenished with this nioscrop, as they
call it, that they are very good pasture. None of our mosses afford firr, or oak,
in any quantity : our hill mosses have none at all.

As for our manner of husbandrie, there is little observable in it. We have
three or four kinds of earth ; a black earth, which we call marblie ground ; of
this we have not most, but it is the best of all our soiles, either in grass or corn ;
for some of it, when rightly manured, will render the seventh or eighth corn,
either of bear, oats, or other grain ; and, when in grass, it affords the best of
grass, such as cleaver and filch grass, and medden, which, I think, may rather be
term'd a wild white single daisie. These I have seen with severall other herbs
and grass to grow, and ordinarly does, on sides and tops of hills where this earth
is, to such length as might very easily be movven or shorn ; for this kind of earth
is not very apt to be spoiled either with rain or drought.

We have another black soile, inclining to the nature of mosse, that affords only
a kind of short hard grass, but is of no use for corn, unless when the furrows are
set in heaps and burned ; then it affords plentie of corn, but ever after is naught,
except where the ground is deep or has a clay sole. This kind of husbandry is
not much in use with us, not having abundance of such grounds.

We have also a clay soile, which is exceeding ill, where the upper scrooff is not
mixed with a marble soile ; which often falls out ; but it is not so fruitfuU neither
as to grass nor corns. However, such fields, when in grass, are very pleasant,
affording greate variety of beautiful! flowers and usefull for grass, but not to that
length that more marblie ground does. We have of clayes, three kinds ; a yel-
low, which is the strongest and best of them all for work, either potters work, or
tyle ; a reedish, which is very good also. We observe where these two are the
sole, the upper scrooff of the earth is better both for corn and grasse than other
sole, supposing always the earth above to be marblie enougli. We have also a
whitish kind of clay, which is very bad for all kind of work ; being wrought
never so weell, it remains alwayes britle ; and other clayes, the freer they are
from the mixture of this, they are so much the better for work. This clay is
not so good a sole as the other two.

We have a black yellowish kind of soile, enclining to a dark reddish colour :
this is that which we call haslie ground. This kind of earth is not very fruitfuU
for grass, affording only some kinds of dog grass ; but, the more tincture it hath

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— BUCHAN. 105

of raarblie ground with it, the better it is both for grass and corne. It is aptest
for the growing of small corns, and is very universall ; but the places near to the
sea side, are most replenished with the marble and the claye soile.

Of all these earths and clayes there is such various mixtures, that they cannot
be exprest. All grounds, as most of Scotland are, that encline to the nature of
moors are esteemed late, cold, ground ; and, the more it enclines that way, it is
the colder, and later, and apt to be spoiled with rains and frosts. These kinds of
places are esteemed good for grazing, and, so much the better, if they be upon a
claye soile ; but nothing comparable to the pure marble soile, but that it is not in
great abundance, and where it is, it is ever keep'd in corn ; which makes the hus-
bandmen in all such places ever complain for scarcity of grasse.

We liave, except in marble and clay grounds, but one furrow of depth ; so that
much ground is now, with often ploughing and manuring, turned so thin, that it is
altogether useless either for grass or corns ; and, because of this, many mens
estates are not able to keep up the antient rentall.

The husbandman keeps in some of his grounds, constantly, under corn and bear,
bj' dunging it everie thrie years ; a third yearly with what dung his cattle afford
in winter ; and, for his pains, if he reap the fourth corn, he is satisfied ; but in
good marble and claye soiles, they use to mix their cattle dung with marish eartii
or scrooff of useless ground, and letting them rot a year together, put them to the
land, in the beginning of winter; and will reap, after this, the fifth or sixth corn.
Ordinarily they use to put, at most, seven hundred cartfulls to the acre of land.
That which hath a great tincture of mossie soile, except the earth that it's dunged
with encline much to claye, and pure heaslie ground, will not answer with
tins either, unless the earth that its dunged with be very marblie. But these kinds
of ground, they only use to dung with what their cattel affords ; because, for the
most part, near them there is not earth sutable to dung them with. Land thus
keeped is called intoicn.

Our outfields, when they have been grass four or five years, are ploughed up ;
and, letting them lie a summer thus ploughed, we plow them over again, and sow
them the next spring ; and, in our best outfields, if we reap the fourth or fifth
corn, the first year, we are satisfied. Yea, the third is very well thought off. Yet,
in some outfields, thus manured, I have seen the sixth or seventh, but this so sel-
dome that it is not to be noticed. We observe that land is much the worse, (if it
could be eschewed,) to be plowed either in frosts or after great rain.

Some of our grounds, for keeping our cattell in the night time, we enclose in
summer ; and, before the later end of harvest, they dung this enclosed ground, so
that it is as fruitfull for the first and second crops as the best of our intowns ; and
it will bear four crops before it need to lye in grass. But of our outfields, that
are not thus dunged, four crops is all that we receive. Four years of grass, in

106 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

the best grounds, or five years, in the worse, with the number of crops as is above
said, is the best metliod of manuring our outfield grounds.

Our sea coast affords abundance of sea calfs, some of which will be eight foot
long ; but we have no way of catching them, except be gunshot. Our seamen
doe oftimes see whales, of very great bigness ; as also, the dolphin, or a fish at
.least that we esteem to be so, severall times near the coast. And we, several]
times, see the whales, of greater and lesser quantity, but in no great abundance ;
and, possibly, that which we esteem to be the dolphin, is but a kind of them.

Thus I have given you an account of what I thought was of any remark
here ; and shall, if it be requisite, give you a more full account of our fowls, both
by sea and land. As to the customs and fashions of our white fishers, everie
place hath its own way with them, even within a very few miles distance ; and
the advantage that redounds to the master, for everie boat he has the convenience
of, I reckon no better, though improven to the best advantage, than fiftie pounds
Scots a year. The worst of land which the fishers have, the manure is of such a
kind that it improves it to be as good as any, and comes to be of that nature,
when they have lived a long time upon it, that it will never after yeild any
plentie of oats ; but all other grain it will yeild, in great abundance. We do not
keep in much of our ground, in this countrie, with pease ; however, some places
near the coast, they use so to manure. The only universal grains of this countrie
are bear and oats ; any other are of litle or no use with us.
Troup, May, 1683.

I forgot, in my last, to acquaint you of the herbs that molest our corn in their
growth ; but we are not troubled with any, except the skellach or wild mustard,
which is in great abundance in our best corn fields, but does not much prejudice.
The yarrow molests our black lands that enelines to mosse. This weed does, in
fresh soiles, or marblie land, that lies very moist, very greatly prejudge the oats,
but mostly bear ; but, in clay soile, it never does much prejudice. In our best
corn fields, there are abundance of thistles, but they do no great harm ; however,
some use to cut them down in the beginning of June. As for the corn marigold,
we have them not in great abundance.

We have no sand soyl in this place, but where it is, there is ever for the most
part good cornfeild. I have oft observed places much overblown with sea sand,
to afford no other grass but medden or white single dasie. This is good food for
all kind of cattell, but it comes to no great length.

There is no marble to be found in this part of the countrie. We have no corn
craiks here amongst our corns in summer. In winter there is great abundance of
the small bird called the snow fleck. It is supposed to be the moor sparrow or
lint white, having changed their colour, a little whiter in the winter.

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— BUCHAN. 107

I was to have said something concerning the severall kinds of soyles with us ;
but there are a great many and diverse kinds of them. However, I see no reason
to judge otherwise, than that all of them proceed from the diverse and numerous
mixtures of tlie beds, (such as clayes, gravell, and sand,) with the marbles and
mossie soiles. We find, a marblie soyle on a clay bed, is absolutely the best, both
for corns and grass ; if it have a considerable mixture of the clay amongst it, it
is the worse, unless it have some mixture of sand or gravell ; but this kind of
mixture is not best for grasse. Land that has a great mixture of clay, will be
excellent for grass, if it be not the whitish kind. Of clay we have of four
kinds, a yellow, a reddish and blew ; these three are excellent beds for a soyle,
and are good for potters work. The whitish pale clay is good for neither, and
when the rest have a mixture of it, they are so much the worse. That which we
call our hazlie ground, is nothing else but when the soyle has a great mixture with
the gravell and some little clay. Whatever be the soyl, whether marble or mossie
kind, which we call cold black land, it hath ordinarly a great mixture of the sole
or bed that it lies on, whether clayes, sand, or gravell ; and it inclines to the
colour of them ; and the sand or gravell often enclines to the colour of the sub-
terraneous rocks and quarries of the place. I believe, where there is much of a
countrie of one kind of rock, it never failes.

I never observed any thing concerning the tides of the sea, but the filling sea
runs east, and the ebb runs west. There are none of our sea harbours, that, except
at stream tide, can receive above ten foot vessels. Bamf, which stands at the in-
fall of Divern, six miles be west this, is so subject to banks of peebles, that some-
times at full sea four foot is enough, and too much ; at other times, it can receive
nine or ten foot. Down,' a naturall harbour, half a mile be east it, in the summer
time, is prettie secure for about eight foot water. About Roseheartie, about eleven
miles be east Down, is expected such another harbour, even for winter, by art, as
this of Down is by nature, being begun some three years agoe by mj' Lord Pit-
sligo. Fraserburgh, an artificiall harbour, is the best on this part of the coast,
being able to receive ten foot at neap tide.

Our corns, near the sea, are much prejudged, sometimes, by great north winds
coming off the sea, in so much, that they ripen no more, if they be shot before
these winds come ; corn, straw, and all being made salt by it. This we call blast-
ing, and is such another prejudice, near the sea, as frost is, in the mountainous
countries.]

1 [Now called Macduff.]

108 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

ABERDEENSHIRE, PROPERLY SO CALLED.

Aberdeenshire properly so called, contains these two parishes,
which, though in this shire, yet belong to no one peculiar district of
it in particular, (such as Mar, Buchan, etc.) namely, the parishes
of Auchindore and Cabrach.

SHERIFFS OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

A. D. M.cccc.Lii. Alexander, first Earl of Huntley, having defeated
the rebellious Alexander Earl of Crawford, at Brechin, A. D.
M.pccc.Lii., was, by King James II., rewarded with the heretahle
Sherilfship of this shire ; which office was possessed by this family
till A.D. M.DC.xxix., that it, (and the heretable Sheriffship of
Inverness, conferred likewise on this family by King James II.,)
were resigned to King Charles I., (by George first Marquis of
Huntley,) who hereupon ordained five thousand pounds sterling to
be paid to this family, out of the exchequer, as a recompence for
these two offices.*

In the Lauriis Leslaeana,^ I find Sir John Leslie, the eighth laird
of Balquhain, Sir William, the ninth, and John, the tenth, to have
been successively Sheriff's of Aberdeen, between A. D. m.d.xlv. and
A.D. M.DC.xxii. ; and yet, having all lived during the period when
the Earl of Huntley was hereditary Sheriff', they must have acted
only by a commission from him ; though, at the same time, they
were men of such distinction that it is remarked of the last of
them, that he never appeared abroad without a retinue of
twenty horse. -

* History of the Gordons, vol. ii., pp. 134, 135. [Aberdeen, 1727. 8vo.]

1 [" Laurus Leslaena Explicata, sive Clarior Enumeratio Personarum utriusque sexus
cognominis Leslie, unacum affinibus, titulis, officiis, dominiis, gestisque celebrioribus bre-
viter indicatis, quibus a sexcentis, et amplius annis Prosapia ilia floret, ex v;u-ijs authoribus,
manuscriptis, et testimonijs fide dignis in unum eollecta," nn., lx„ Ixi., Ixii., Graecii, apud
haeredes Widmanstadij, anno 1692. fo!.]

2 [<' Fuit hie Joannes provinciae Aberdonensis vice-comes, tantaqiie cum magnifi--

FREEHOLDERS OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

109

A.D. M.DC.xxx., Sir George Johnston of That Ilk.
A.D. M.DC.xxxi., Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo.
A.D. M.DC.xxxii., Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo.*
A.D. M.DC.xxxiv., Thomas Crombie of Kemnay. f

List of Barons and Freeholders that were, or are, oblidged to give
suit and presence to the three Head Courts held yearly by the
Sheriif of Aberdeen.

Archbishop of Saint Andrews
Bishop of Aberdeen
Abbot of Aberbrothock
Prior of Monimusk
Rector of the Trinity Friars (now
the Trades) of Aberdeen

SPIRITUAL BARONS.

Rector of Auchterless
Rector of Kincardin
Rector of Kinkell
Rector of Oyne

Duke of Gordon
Duke of Hamihon
Earl of Aberdeen
Earl of Aboyne
Earl of Buchan
Earl of Errol
Earl of Kintore

TEMPORAL BARONS.

The Greater.

Viscount of Frendraught

Lord Forbes

Lord Fraser

Lord Oliphant

Lord Pitsligo

Lord Salton

The Kings College of Aberdeen
The Master of Mortifications of

Aberdeen
The Master of Church and Bridge

Work of Aberdeen

The Lesser.

Buchan of Auchmacoy
Baird of Auchmedden
Cumming of Auchry
Duguid of Auchinhive
Farquharson of Auchlossin

centia vixit, ut non nisi viginti equitibus stipatus incedere soleret : Obijt in Julio, 1622."
TZiirf.]

From two charters of the Lord Pitsligo.

t History of the Gordons, vol. ii.

110 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Gordon of Abergeldie Leslie of Drummies

Rose of Arnage Irvine of Drum

Gordon of Auchlyn Fraser of Durris

Skene of Dyce
Leslie of Balquhain

Mowat of Balquholly Burnet of Elrick

Gordon of Badenscoth Forbes of Edit

Gumming of Birnes Skene of Easter Echt

Smith of Blairdaff Gordon of Ellon
Duff of Brako

of Blair Farquharson of Finzean

of Bredda Forbes of Foveran

Forbes of Balfluig

Forbes of Blackford Patton of Grandham

Gordon of Balbithan Paterson of Granton, baronet

Gordon of Byth Grant of Grantfield

Davidson of Balnacraig Gordon of Gight

Reid of Barra Strachan of Glenkindy

Keith of Bruxie Elphinston of Glack

Morison of Bognie of Gask

of Bourtie

Duff of Hatton
Bucban of Cairnbulg

Simson of Concraig Farquharson of Invercauld

of Cowbardie Fraser of Innerallachie

Forbes of Craigievar, baronet Moir of Invernettie

of Criehie Smith of Inveramsay

Duff of Craigston

Gordon of Cocklerachie Forbes of Kincardin

Gordon of Craigellie Menzies of Kinmundie in New-

Cumming of Culter machar

Irvine of Cults Ferguson of Kinmundie in Longside

of Culsh Keith of Keithfield

Irvine of Knapernay

Forbes of Disblair Burnet of Kemney
Fullerton of Dudwick

Strachan of Dalhakie Skene of Lethinty

Stewart of Dens Burnet of Leyes, baronet

FREEHOLDERS OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

Ill

Ramsay of Lethirs
Bisset of Lessendrum
Gordon of Lismore
Leslie of LittlefoUa
Leith of Leithall
Gordon of Law
Elphinston of Logie

Grant of Monymusk
Young of Migstrath
Russel of Moncoffer
Ker of Menie

of Mostoun

Urquhart of Meldrum
Brodie of Muresk

Gordon of Newtyle

Leith of Overhall

Seton of Pitmedden, baronet
Erskin of Pittodrie
Leslie of Pitcaple
Cumming of Pittulie
Menzies of Pitfoddels
Maitland of Pitrichie
Ferguson of Pitfour

Fraser of Pitmurchie

Gordon of Renneshill
Gordonston for Ryehill

Skene of Skene
Moir of Stonywood
Forbes of Shives
Fraser of Strechin
Gordon of Sheelagreen

of Sinnahard

of Saphock. See Knappernay

Gordon of Techmurie
Turner of Turnerhall

of Thaneston

of Freefield

Simson of Thornton
Leslie of Tyrie

Udny of Udny

Leith of Whitehaugh
Horn of WesthaU

of Westerton

Forbes of Waterton
Gerard of Walkerhill.

[Curia capitalis Vicecomitis de Aberdene • ■ (a. d. 1504.)

Curia capitalis Vicecomitis de Aberdene tenta in pretorio burgj de Aber-
dene nono die mensis Januarij anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo ter-
cio / Quo die sectis vocatis et curia afBrmata absentes patent etc. i Per
Alexandrum Bannerman de Waterton Vicecomitis deputatum eiusdem

' [From the Libri Actorum Curiae Vicecomitatus de Aberdeen, vol. i., ff. viii.,ix.
has been selected as the earliest record now extant of a Head Court.]

This

112 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Absentes de curia precedente

Comes Buchanie amerciatur in defectu presencie

Dominus Forbes in defectu presencie

Dominus de Stanyvod in defectu presencie

Willelmus Douglace pro parte sua terrarum de Kemnay in defectu presencie

Dominus de Lunfanane in defectu presencie

Dominus de Frenderaugii in defectu presencie

Johannes Halyburtone pro parte sua de Drumblat in defectu presencie et

secte
Dominus de Monycabok in defectu presencie et secte
Dominus de Park de Crechmond in defectu presencie et secte
Dominus de Kennerty in defectu presencie
Dominus de Scheves in defectu presencie
Comes Buchanie pro terris de Beldestone et Carnetrailyeane in defectu

presencie et secte
Dominus de Hawdaucht de Ratre in defectu presencie et secte
Dominus de Futhes in defectu secte
Dominus de Auchinchoggile in defectu secte
Dominus de Petquhynsy in defectu presencie et secte
Dominus de Kynmondy in defectu presencie et secte
Dominus de Innerelloche in defectu secte

Thomas Cuming pro terris suis de Kyndrocht in defectu presencie
Dominus de Mekle Fyntray in defectu presencie et secte
Dominus de Maidlair in defectu presencie et secte
Walterus Innes pro terris de Tyri in defectu presencie et secte
Dominus de Mekle Methlik in defectu presencie et secte
Dominus de Echt in defectu presencie et secte
Domini de Fynnersas videlicet Blakhale et Noray in defectu presencie et

secte
Robertus Innes pro terris suis de Crecheis in defectu presencie et secte
Dominus de Glenkyndy in defectu presencie et secte
Dominus de Balquhain in defectu presencie et secte
Dominus de Petmethane in Gareauche in defectu presencie et secte
Dominus de Lesly in defectu presencie et secte
Dominus de Tulybrochlaw in defectu secte
Dominus de Barnis in defectu presencie et secte

EXTENT OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 113

Dominus de Lethyndy in defectu presencie et secte

Dominus de Gylcamstone in defectu presencie et secte

Dominus de Bourty in defectu presencie et secte

Johannes Troup pro terris suis de Warderis Flemyng in defectu presencie

et secte
Dominus de Andait pro terris suis de Cowclaruchy in defectu secte

Sectatores

Willelmus Turing de Foverne intrauit Willelmum Scliarp sectatorem pro

terris suis de Foverne prestito juramento
Jacobus Krymond acturnatus Ade Hapburne intrauit Andream Fergousone

sectatorem pro terris suis de Polgovny prestito solito juramento
Dominus de Fyvy intrauit Thomam Patirsone sectatorem pro terris suis de

Edane prestito solito juramento
Dominus de Jhonstone pro terris suis de Cordyss intrauit Cristinum Sym-

mer pro dictis terris de Cordyss prestito solito juramento
Willelmus Sellar acturnatus Domini de Abirdour intrauit Willelmum

Fynny sectatorem pro dictis terris de Abirdour

Retornatus extentus Vicecomitatus de Aberdein •' (a.d. 1549.)

Marie be the grace of God • Quein of Scottis / To our schirefFof Aber-
dein and to his deputtis • greting Forsamekle as our dairrest cowsein and
tutour James Erie of Arren Lord Hamiltoune etc. Protectour and Gouer-
nour of our realme / and Lordis of our secreit counsall / Vnderstanding
that our auld enemies of Ingland intendis the spring of this yeir to invaid
our realme with all thair force and power quhilkis may nocht guidlie be
resistit without ane generall taxt of men / or mony as salbe thocht maist
necessar • to be liftit of the haill estaittis of the samen Quhilk taxt can
nocht be maid vnto the tyme the saidis Lordis knaw the valour and extent
of all lands within our realme Wre will is heirfoir and we charge yow
straitlie and commandis That incontinent thir our lettres sein ye pas with
all dilligence possibill convein ane condigne assyss • of the maist famous men

' [From the Libri Actorum Curiae Vicecomitatus de Aberdeen, vol. iii., ad finem.']

114 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

within the boundis of your oflBce / and retour be thame all maner of
landis lyand within the samen / alss weill kirk landis as temporall landis
And the patrimonie of our crown and vtheris beand in our handis be
ressone of ward or vtherwayis And that the said assyse to be chosin and
swoirne heirto / retour in maner following videlicet i The landis that
glffis now presentlie of yeirlie maill and dewetie four pundis To twantie
schillino-is of auld extent generall and vniuersall without ony exceptioune
or regaird to onie retour passit abefoir And that ye bring and produce
befoir our said tutour and governour and lordis forsaidis your retour maid
in maner abouvritin to our burght of Edinburght the twantie day of Ja-
nuar instant vnder the pane of rebellione and putting of yow to our
home / And gif ye failyie thairin the day being bypast ye salbe denuncit
our rebell and put to our home And in lykwayis That ye comand and
charge the barronis and landit men dwelling within the boundis of our said
schirefdome To convein with yow at sic day and place as ye sail appoynt
vnto thame for making of the said retoure vnder the pane of rebellioune
And gif thay failyie thairin / that ye denunce thame that dissobeyis our
rebellis and put thame to our home and escheit and inbring all their
movabill guidis to ws for thair contemptioune as ye will ansuer to ws thair-
vpone / To the executioune of your office delyuering thir our lettres be
yow dewlie execute and indorsit againe to the berar • Giwin [vnder] our
signet At Striviling the thrid day of Januer and of our regne the sevint
yeir • Per dominos secreti consilij etc ■

Curia vicecomitatus dej Aberdein tenta in pretorio eiusdem decimo sexto
die mensis Januarij anno Domini mUlesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo
octauo Per honorabilem virum Joannem Leslie de Balqubane vicecomitem
deputatum dicti vicecomitatus pro tribunal! sedentem / sectis vocatis curia
legittime affirmata fuit etc •

Nomina assyise dominorum et barronum taxantium et retomantium ad
effectum subscriptum

Johne Lord Glamis Willeam Turing of Foverne
Johne Forbes of Petsligo

Alexander Leslie of Wardes Alexander Forbes of Kynnaudy

Alexander Hay of Delgatie Thomas Annand of Auchterellone

EXTENT OF ABERDEENSHIRE.

115

Johne Pantone of Petraedden
Mr Robert Lummisden burges of

Aberdein
Johne Forbes of Tillegony

Alexander Frasser of Pettoulie
George Crafurd of Feddret
Willeam Settoune of Meldrum
Willeam Vdny of That Ilk
Mr Johne Forbes of Barnis

Alexander Leslie of That Ilk
Alexander TuUidafFof Ranestoune
Alexander Frasser of Durris
Robert Irving of Belty
Willeam Straquhene of Tipperty

Alexander Banermain of V/^atter-
toune

Gilbert Reid of Collestoune
Thomas Chalmer of Cultis
Alexander Chalmer of Balnacraig
W . . . Lyoune of Coraalegie

Alexander Burnet of Tilliheikis
Patrik Leith air to Patrik Leyth

of HarthiU
Androw Woid of Colpnay
Alexander Cuming of Culter
James Pantone, portioner of Til-

lymaid

Willeam Keith bailyie to my Lord

Sincler
Alexander Hunter portioner of

Tillehaikeis
Gilbert Knox of That Ilk

The said day the barronis abouvrytin that war convenit be wertew and at
comand of our Souerane Ladeis lettres and my Lord Schireffis principall
preceptis direct thairvpone lauchtfullie executit and indorsat to this day
callit and swoirne in judgment The Holie Evangell twitchit be aduyss and
counsall of the deput aboue vrytin Taxit considderit and retourit all
maner of landis lyand within the schirefdume of Aberdein and boundis
thairof eftir the forme and tennour of the saides lettres videlicet

Nomina barronum et dominorum taxatorum et retornatorum per assisam
suprascriptam etc •

The Erie of Huntlie for his landis and barronie of Strathtbogie and
vtheris his Lordschippis landis with tennent and tennendrie
lyand within the schirefdome of Aberdein ; iij hundreth vj lbs 13 sh 4d

The Erie of ErroU for his landis and barroneis of Slaineis tenent
and tennendrie v scoir pundis

The Lord Forbes for his landis of Drymminour with thair pertin-
enttis tennent and tennendrie ....-,. xxvj libs

116 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

The Lord Elphingstoune for his landis of Kyldrymmie . iiij" libs
The Lord Eskein for his landis and barronreis of Kellie and Bal-

hao-ertie .......... xl libs

The Erie Marschell for his landis and barronrie of Adane . xliij libs

Item for his barronie of Kyntour and Skein . . . xxi libs
The Lord Sincler for his landis and barronie of Newburght ten-

nent and tenendi-ie ........ xxi hbs

The Lord Borthick for his landis of Abirdour tennent and ten-

endrie .......... xxx libs

The Lord Glamis for his landis of Balheluie Curtestoune Drum-

(jovven and their pertinentis now in his hand onlie . . . xx libs
James Gordoune for his landis of Medithlik tennent and ten-

endrie .......... viij libs

The laird of Tillegonie for his landis of the samen . . . xl sh
The lard of Johnisleyis for his landis of the samen . . . xl sh
The lard of Petsligo for his landis of the samen with the pertin-
entis tennent and tenendreis ...... xxx libs

The lard of Tolquhone for his landis and barronie of Tolquhone xx libs
The lard of Towie Forbes for his landis of the samen tenent and

tenendrie .......... xij libs

The lard of Brux for his landis and barroneis of the samen . xiij libs

The lard of Auchistoune for his landis of Sinaboth . . . xl sh

Mr Johne Forbes portioner of Barnis for his part thairof . ix libs

The lard of Skene for his landis of the same . . . . ix libs

The lard of Maidlair for his landis of Maidlair Cusnie and Foullis-

hunter .......... ix libs

The lard of Thainstoune for his landis of Kyneller and Thains-

tone . .......... iij libs

The lard of Contlay Rothquhy Forbes .... xxx sh

The lard of Johnstoune for his landis of Caskibend tenentis and

tenendreis .......... xx libs

The lard of Gicht for his landis and baronie of Schiues tenent

and tenendrie ........ xij hbs

The lard of Pitteray for Crevechyn and Gileolmistoune . . x libs
James Gordoune of Colquhondistane for his landis of the samen

tenentis and tenendrie . viij Hbs

Patrick Gordoune for Lyttill Follay xl sh

The lard of Abiryeldie for his landis of the samen . . vj libs

EXTENT OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 117

The lard of Delgatie for his landis within the schireffdome of

Abirdene xx hbs

The lard of Mures for his landis of the samen and his pairt of

Auchterles x libs

The lard of Essilmount for his landis of the samen . . x libs

The lard of Balquholly for his landis of the samen . . . viij libs
The ladeis of Drumbrek for thair landis of the samen . . iij libs

The lard of Auchmacoy for his landis of the samen . . iij libs

The lard of CragifBntray for his landis of the samen . . xl sh

The lard of Petmedden Abircrombie for his lands thairof . vj libs

Willeam Blakhall for his pairt of the landis of Barraucht and

Finnerseis ......... iiij libs

The lard of Frendraucht for his landis and barronie of the samen

propirtie and tenendrie ....... xl libs

The lard of Kynfanis for his landis of Lomfannen tenent and

tenendrie ..........

The lard of Phillortht for his landis and barronie of the samen
The lard of Fedderet for his landis and barronie of the samen
The lard of Fywie for his landis and barronie of the samen pairt

of the landis of Auchterles • tenent and tenendrie
The lairdis of Ardgreine and Monekebak Innes for the samen
The lard of Schethyne for the landis of the samen tenent and

tenendrie ..........

The lard of Auchinhuwif for his landis of the samen

The lard of Foverene for his landis of the samen

The lard of Meldrume for his landis of the samen

The lard of Vdny for his landis of Vdny and Astoune

Willeam King for his pairt of the landis of Barraucht and Bourtie

The laird of Drum for his landis of the samen tenent and tenendrie

The lard of Echt for his landis of the samen

The lard of Balquhan for his landis of the samen propirtie and

tenendrie .........

The lard of Leslie for his landis of the samen tenent and tenendrie
The lard of Petkepill for his landis of the samen
The lard of Gartle for his landis of MoncofFer
Johne TuUocht for his pairt of the landis of Moncoffer
The laird of Iden for his landis of the samen

libs

Hbs

xl libs

Hbs

libs

Hbs

•ij

Hbs

XXX

libs

VJF

lund

Hbs

libs

"IJ

libs

118 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

The lard of Glenbervie for his landis of Keymnay . . v libs x sh
The lard of Inverallochy for his landis of the sameu . . iij libs

Andrew Chalmer for Strechyn ...... iij libs

The lard of Belnacraig ....... iij libs

Crabistoune . . . . . . . . . . xl sh

The lard of Halheid iij libs

The lard of Dalgardno Fintray for his landis of the samen . iij libs

The lard of Boddome for his landis of the samen . . . xl sh
The lard of Straloche for his pairt of the landis of Crechy . xl sh

The lard of Many for his landis of the samen . . . vj libs

Thomas Meingyes for his landis of PetfoddeUis . . . iiij libs

Johne Grant of Belnadalloche for the landis of Innerechyn . iiij libs
Willeam Straquhyn of Glenkyndy for his landis of the samen . vj libs
Willeam Leith for his pairt of the landis of Barnis ... iij libs
The lard of Locht for his pairt of the landis of Kyndroucht . x sh
Andrew Frasser of Stanewoid for his landis of the samen and

Muchell XX sh

The lard of Auchtercoull for his landis of the samen . . vj libs

The lard of Craigiwar for his landis of the samen . . . ix libs

Patrik Leith for his landis of Harthill v libs

W Blakhall of That Hk for his landis of the samen . xl sh

Thomas Copland for his landis of Wdoche ... vj libs

Thomas Vrquhart for his landis of Fischerie . . . ix libs

Johne Pantone of Petmedden vj libs

Thomas Chalmer for his landis of Cultis and Lyttill Meithlik . iij libs
Robert Stewart for his part of Latheris .... vj libs

James Innes for his landis of Toukis and Petfour . iiij libs 10 sh

The portioners of Rothibersben xxv sh vj d

Alexander Frasser of Durris for his landis of Beilty . . iij libs

The lard of Lenturk for his landis of the samen . . . iiij libs

Andrew Woid for his pairt of Fynnersie .... xxx sh
The airis of Johne Norie for his pairt of Fynnersy . . xxx sh

The lard of Manie for his landis of Ruffenis ... vj libs

The lard Towy Barclay xx libs

Petcur for the landis of Drumblait with the pertinentis . . ix libs

Alexander Dumbar for his landis of Petquhonsy . . xxx sh

George Crichtoune of Counyie for his landis of the samen . xxx sh

EXTENT OF ABERDEENSHIRE. 119

Dune of Ratie for his pairt of Ardvne Buchanstoune and his por-

tioneris of the saraen ....... iij libs

Auchterellone ......... iiij libs

Thomas Gordoune of Kennerty for his landis of the samen . iij libs

Catherein Scot for the landis of Vaus Birnes ... vj libs

Burnet for his landis of Gask . . . . . . xl sh

The lard of Coclarachy Lesly xxx sh

Willeam Hay of Vray for the landis of Creraond earth . x pundis

James Cheyn for the landis of Crabistoune . . . . xx sh

Gordoune Leslie portioneris of Warthill ilk ane of thaim . xxx sh
George Gordoune for his pairt of the landis of Latheris and Dur-

latheris x libs

The Lord Invermeith Stewart for the twa pairt of the landis of

Latheris and Dorlatheris ...... xx libs

Summa Totalis j™ vij"= xlviij libs xiij sh

The Quenis Grace few landis within the said schyr

Inprimis Alexander Leslie of Wardess for his landis Gareauche
and Kyntour of auld extent ..... feftie libs

Patrik Forbes for his lands of Kyncragy and Corse off auld
extent ......... iij libs v sh

for his landis of Pefechei and ruidis of Monemusk . iij libs

Item few landis after foUowowing could nocht be retowrit in valour becaus
the lordis and barronis fewaris of the samen comperit nocht / nor yit their
chaJmerlanis nor officearis • quha was lauchtfullie wernit to this day

Inprimis the Bray of Mar in the handis of my Lord Erie of

Huntlie feftie libs

The landis of Coull in the handis of the laird Drum . iij libs vj sh viij d

The Sprituall and Kirk landis and Patrimonie efter following quhilkis in
speceall could nocht be retourit in valour • becaus they comperit nocht thame

120 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

selffis chalmerlanis nor officearis • albeit thay war lauchtfullie requerit and
warnit herto / be my Lord Schireffis precept efter the tennour of our So-
uerane Ladeis lettres to this day

Inprimis the Arsbischope of Sanct Androwis for his barroneis
and landis of Keig and Monymusk with tennent tenendrie and
pertinenttis . ........ xl libs

The Bischope of Abirdein for his landis of Birss • Tillenessil Rane
Dauid and vtheris his landis within the schirefdome of Abir-
dein conforme to his rentell ..... iiij^^ libs only

The Aboit of Abirbrothick for his landis and barroneis of Tarves
and Fywie .......... xx libs

The Aboit of Lindoirs for his landis and barrone of Fintray

Collshalraond and vtheris his landis j' libs

The Aboit of Deir for his landis xxi libs

The Aboit of Coupar for his landis of Morthlik . . . iiij libs

The Aboit of Kinlois for his landis of Ellone . . xiij sh iiij d

The Pryour of Monemusk with the Manes ..... v hbs

The Persoune of Kyncardyn for his landis of the barrony of

Oneill ......... XX merkis

The Persoune of Torreff for the Kirktone of Torreff and burght

of the samen .......... v libs

The Pryour of Sanct Androis for his lands of Kirktoune of
Bourty .......... xx sh

The Dein of Abirdene for his landis of Denstoune and Dilspro . xl sh
The Persone of Balheluies for his landis of Blairtoune . xx sh

The Principall of the College of Abirdene for his lands of Col-

lyne Banakettill Andret and Kirktoune of Slanis . . . v libs
Mr Lawrenss Young for his landis of Wasthall . . ten markis

The Persone of Vne for his landis of the Kirktoune of Vine . xl sh
Mr Arthour Telleuer for the Kirktoune of Abyne . . . x sh

The Wiker of Forgie for the Kirktoune of the samen . . xx sh
The Thesaurar of Abirdene for ane pertinent of the landis of the

Kirktoun of Dauid and Mowny ..... v merkis

The Aryisdein of Abirdene for the Kirktoune of Rain . v merkis

Mr Alexander Kid for the landis of the Spittell . . . . xl sh

The Persone of Invernochty for Kynbethoche pertening to the
chappellenrie of Abirdene fourty sh

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— BANFSHIRE. 121

The Chanter of Abirdene for the Kirktoune of Auchterles . . xx sh

The Kirktoun of Kyndrime x sh

The Kirktoune of Inverbuchet x sh

Pettintargie pertening to the Persone of Cushney . . . x sh

The Persone of Clait for ane pertinent of Chrystis Kirk . . x sh

The Persone of Monemusk for the tonne of Bovak . . . xx sh

Extractum ex Libro Actorum curie vicecomitatus de Abirdene qui liber
est in manibus Joannis Leslie de Balquhane quondam Vicecomitis eius-
dem / Per me Magistrum Gulielmum Andersone scribara curie dicti
vicecomitatus- ]

BANFSHIRE.

Ihe chief river in this country is Dovem, which, in some parts of
it, divides it from Aberdeenshire.

Dovern rises in Cabrach, ' a little above Lesmurdie ; vfhere
Ruyster and The Blackwater meeting, begin to take this name.

BOYNE.

Jjoyne has its name from an Irish word, which signifies a cave or Name.
grotto ; for with such its coast abounds, especially near that old
castle, which is called Craig of Boyne.

The gentry here are remarkable for their hospitality, their good Cliaracter
understanding among themselves, and their close and familiar inter-
course with one another.

This was a Thanedom, in the possession of the Edmistons, till. Dignity.
under King James III., the eldest daughter and coheiress of Sir
James Edmiston of That Ilk, having married Patrick Blackader,
this Thanedom accrued to that gentleman, who exchanged it for

' [" DiVERON. The river Diveron springes out of Escaiche, in the head of Glen-
buickett, and falls in the German sea at the towne off Bamffe. It is in lenthe thirty
myles." Sir James Balfour's Collections, MS.]

122 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Tulliallan with Sir Walter Ogilvy, who had married his wife's
sister, A. D. m.cccc.lxxxiv.

Soil. The soil here, (especially in Fordyce,) is reckoned the far best in

Banfshire, and that both by nature and by art ; for in Fordyce alone,
(at Durn, Birkenbog, and Glassaugh,) there grow and thrive all
these vegetables : figs, walnuts, almonds, tobacco ; not to speak now
of cucumbers or hops.

Division. How this country was divided of old, I have not exactly learned ;

only that it was distinguished into these two parts : The Thane-
dom, properly so called, lying along the sea ; and The Forest,
lying in the inner part, towards the land.

Its parishes. In Boyne ther are usually reckoned but these three parishes,
lying from south to north, along the sea-coast : Boyndie, Fordyce,
and Cullen ; but it may be supposed that, of old, those other two
parishes, (which were then parts of Fordyce parish,) were also
reckoned to be in Boyne, namely, Ordewhill and Deskford.

THE AINZIE.

[ • Carta Johannis de Haya- ' (a.d. 1362.)

Dauid Dei gracia Rex Scottorum Omnibus probis hominibus tocius
terre sue clericis et laicis salutem Sciatis quod coneessimus Johanni de
Haya de Tolyboyll dilecto et fideli nostro quod possit redigere in culturam
totam terram que iacet inter aquam de Spee et riuulum de Tynot in foresta
del Awne et ipsam terram habere cum omnibus libertatibus etc. quibus
quondam progenitor noster / de eadem terra predecessores ipsius Johannis
infeodauit In cuius rei etc. Testibus etc. Apud Abirden • xvj° • die Ja-
nuarij anno regnj nostrj Tricesimo Tercio ■ ]

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli Regvm Scotorvm in archivis pvblicis asservatvm.
A.D. Mcccvi. — A.D. Mccccxxiv., p. 24. Printed by command of his Majesty King
George the Third. 1814. fol.]

ITS CIVIL DIVISIONS— ROYAL BURGHS, 123

BALVANIE.

Balvanie is said to have its name from the chief castle in it, Name.
which, in Irish, is called Bal-bcni-mor, The dwelling of Beyne the
Great ; it being supposed to have been the seat of Saint Beyne,
first Bishop of Murthlack.

Its parishes are these three, Murthlack, Botriffny, and Boharm. Parishes.

BUCHAN.

As to that part of Buchan, which is reckoned in Banfshire, it
contains but these two parishes, Saint Fergus and Ghamry ; and
part of a third, Forglen.

BANFSHIRE, PROPERLY SO CALLED.

ROYAL BOROUGHS.

The five Royal Boroughs in this diocese are, in Aberdeenshire,
three, Aberdeen, Kintore, Inverury ; in Banfshire, two, Banf and
Cullen.

ABERDEEN.

Aberdeen, or New Aberdeen, (so called to distinguish it from the Name.
old,) was formerly, by a more proper name, called Aber-dee ;
which, in British, signifies T/ie mouth of Dee ; as, for the like
reason, the Romans called it Devanha, from Deva, which is Dee ;
and some, from its motto, fancifully, Bon-Accord.

This town has two coats of arms ; one, which it used of old, and Arms.
another, which it received more of late ; the one being now born
the one side, and the other, on the other side, of the town's seal.

124 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Its old arms were the image of its patron, Saint Nicholas, thus :
azure, a church argent, massoned sable, Saint Nicholas standing in
the porch, mitred and vested proper, with his right hand lifted up,
praying over three children in a boyling caldron of the first, and
in his left hand a crosier or.

Its late arms represent its castle, which the townsmen recovered
so remarkably from the English, thus : gules, three towrs triple-
towi''d, within the tressure of Scotland, argent ; supported by two
leopards, proper : motto, Bon-Accord.

" Quid meinoreni ternos, tria propugnacula, coUes,
Qualibus iirbs surgit qua caput orbis erat." '

Situation and 'Tis situated on three hills : the Castle-hill ; the Port-hill, (or
*'■■■ Gallow-Gate, so called from the chief part of the tovra, and from

the gallows, which once stood here) ; and Saint Catherine's hill ;
so that it is ascended to on all sides, which gives some advantage
to the prospect, and renders the air so much the better. It lyes at
the foot of Granzbin, on the mouth of Dee, and has a great barren
heath, (once a forest), to the west. The country round about it
would look very unpromising, were it not beautlfyed by the build-
ings here ; but the tilled ground belonging to the town itself, is so
enriched with dung, that it bears very early, and in good plenty,
the best oats and barley ; yielding also the choicest roots ; and, of
late, also we have got very good hay here. But the town is built
so close, that the air is too much straitned, which is the only dis-
advantage it has.
streets and The streets are either greater or lesser. The three greater
are,

First, The Gallow-gait, so named because the gallows stood
formerly on the hiU on which it is built. 'Tis in Latin charters
called via furcarum.

Second, The Broad-gait, so named because formerly it compre-

' [Arturi lonstoni Poemata Omnia, p. 440]

;ates.

ROYAL BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 125

hended all that space wherein now the Ghaist-raw is built, and so
was remarkably broad. 'Tis called in Latin via lata.

Third, The Castle-gait, so named because it leads to the castle ;
and in Latin called via castri. Dr. Arthur Johnston takes notice
of the Castlegait in these verses :

" Ardua sidereis rutilant praetoria pinnis,
Hie ubi planities panditur ampla fori." '

The three lesser are,

Fourth, The Ship-raw, or row, along the shoar ; called in Latin
Ilia navium.

Fifth, The Upper Kirk-gait, leading to the church ; named in
Latin via superior ecclesiae.

Sidih, The Nether Kirk-gait, leading also to the church, and
called in Latin via inferior ecclesiae.

'• Ea tempestate (id est, olim) Aberdonia Scotorum erat Regia, Honours, pii-
[licet apud Sconam Scotorum Reges regalibus insigniti erant."] * vileges, and

" Hanc (id est, Aberdoniam) ad Deam Gregorius Rex auxit,
palatio ibi structo, et monetaria officina instituta. [Acta haec sunt
circa annum dcccc. Vidi ego monetam illic cusam, sed posteriori-
bus seculis. Longe vetustiorem urbem fuisse arguit loci celebri-
tas, praesertim uberrimo e duobus vicinis fluminibus salmonum
piscatu, qui ab omni aevo nunquam defecit, cuique in hoc genere
toto regno nihil par."]f

The town had formerly four Hospitals, but the fourth is now Hospitals.
perished. First, The Merchants. Second, The Trades. Third,
The Women's Hospital. Fourth, The Sick-House for Lepers,
(mentioned in the Registrum Chartarum,) stood without the ports
in the bog, (beneath the Key-Stone,) where one enters the town
of Spittal ; that bog being still called the Sick-House mire.

' [Artvri lonstoni Poemata Omnia, p. 439.]

• Joannes Major, [De Gestis Scotorum,] lib. i., fol. xi. [Parisiis, 1521. 4to.]
t Robertus Gordonius in Adnotatis ad Veteris Scotiae Tabulam, [apud J. Blaeu Theat.
Orbis Terrarum, part, v., pp. 11, 12. See, also, above, pp. 28, 29.]

126

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Other remark-
able buildings.

The Tolbooth

Chief sur-
names.

The chief surnames here of old were those of Gray, Menzies,
Cullen, Rutherford, CoUison, Lawson, .... but
now those of Gordon, . . . .....

KINTORE.

Castle. The Castle here stood hard by the church, (where now only the

Castle-hill is to be seen,) and, it seems, was inhabited by the Earl
Marishal, (who perhaps was heretable keeper of it, he having a
part of his estate here,) as late as A. D. m.d.xxxix. In the Regis-
trimi Chartaruvi, ther is a charter from William Earl Marishal to
Mr. Alexander Galloway, parson of Kinkell, granting a croft at
Skene for building of a manse to one of the said parson's chaplains,
who was to be vicar of Skene ; that church being one of those six
which depended on Kinkell. This charter is dated Apud castrum
nostrum de Kintore, December the twelfth, A.D. m.d.xxxix.

Number of
inhabitants.

Castle.

INVERURY.

ihe families here are reckoned about eighty, so that, (allowing six
to a family,) the inhabitants cannot be five hundred.

The Castle stood hard by what is now the church, where now
only an artificial green mount, called The Bass,' stands. It seems

[" The River Uri springs from the lull of Foudleine, neai'lie at the castle, hard by

ROYAL BURGHS— BANF—CULLEN. 127

the Castle had this name, as being a diminutive of The Bass, in the
Firth. The ground hard by is called The Castle-yards.' I find,
under William the Lyon, one Norman, Constable, (that is. Keeper
of the Castle,) of Inverury .......

BANF.

CULLEN, FORMERLY INVERCULLEN.

Strathbolgie, and falls in the river Done, a little below the church of Inneruri, neir
the old fort or mount called The Basse. The inhabitants heir have alwayes this foolyshe
old ryme in their mouthes :

' When Dee and Done runs both in one.
And Tweed shall rune in Tay,
The little river of Inneruri

Shall beare The Basse awaye.' "
Sir James Balfour's Collections, MS. See also Chambers' Popular Rhymes of Scotland,
pp. 97, 98. Edinb. 1826. 12mo.]

' [In 1395, Alexander Leslie was served heir to his brother german, William Leslie,
burgess of Inverury, " in terris nuncupatis Castelhill et Castelyardis ex orientali parte dicti
burgi de Innerourie." (Inqvisitionvm ad capellam Domini Regis retornatarvm Abbrevatio,
inquisitiones speciales, Aberdeen, n. 563. Printed by command of His Majesty King
George III. 181 1. fol.) See also Mr. Alexander Johnston's Genealogical Account of the
Family of Johnston, appendix, p. 2. Edinb. 1832. 4to.]

128 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

THE SEE OF ABERDEEN.

Jjeing to wi'ite of the Bishops of Aberdeen, I shall range them
into three classes. The first shall contain those who lived within
this Bishoprick, before the erection of the Diocese, in that dark and
remote period of the Scotish history. The second shall contain
the Bishops who sate at Murthlack, from the erection of the See, by
King Malcolm II., to the translation of it by Saint David ; and
the last those who sate at Old Aberdeen, from the translation of
the See to this city by Saint David, down to

I. THE BISHOPS WHO LIVED WITHIN THIS BISHOPRICK, BEFOR THE
ERECTION OF THE DIOCESE.

ISaint Wolok is the first Bishop, I learn to have preached here,
and that in the fifth century ;* the people in this country, (because
of the scarcity of preachers,) being, even at that time, savage and
unconverted, insomuch, that they had no church among them, nor
any belief of hell torments. This Saint, therefor, being moved
with zeal, traveled up and down among them, for their instruction,
willingly enduring hunger and cold for their sake, and, as it is said,
also working several miracles. He dyed at last, in a good old age,
having had the joy to see them converted. He resided in a little
solitary thatched hutt, having lived all along as a Hermite. His
feast is on the twenty-ninth of January, in the Breviary of Aber-
deen, where also this collect is appointed for his day : " Deus qui
per predicationem beati Voloci confessoris tui atque pontificis po-
pulum in tenebris ambulantem a cultu ydolorum conuertisti : presta
vt pia eius intercessione omnium nostrorum corda ad cultum vere
religiouis conuertantur • Per Dominum •"' It must be confessed

* " Christo pro nobis passo quadringentenis et amplius reuolutis annis," says the Breuiarium
Aberdonense, [proprium Sanctorum pro tempore liyeniali, fol. xliv. Edinb. 1509. 8vo.] ;
though Camerarius seems to confound him with one Mac- Wolok, who dyed A. D. 733.
[Davidis Camerarii Scoti De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, Doctrina, et Pietate, ac de ortu et pro-
gressu haeresis in regnis Scotiae et Angliae, Libri Quatvor., pp. 90,91. Parisiis, 1631. 4to.]

1 [Breuiarum Aberdonense, proprium Sanctorum pro tempore hyemali, fol. xliv.]

ANCIENT BISHOPS— SAINT WOLOC. 129

that, in his Life, it is only said that he preached in the north of
Scotland ; but it being added that he lived among high rocks, and
that Dummeth and Logie-Mar, (both once in this Diocese), were
dedicated to him, and there being still two rocks at the church of
Saint Wolock, at Dummeth, (now reckoned in Glass parish, and
Murray diocese,) between which rocks ther are two pools, called
Saint Wolock's baths, ' much hunted by children, in May, for their
supposed virtue : for these reasons, I say, T have thought fit to
place him among the Bishops of this country.

[Lectiones in die B • Voloci episcopi et confessoris • ^

Christo pro nobis passo quadringentenis et amplius reuolutis annis sed et
tides iam nostra quam Romana predicat ecclesia per vniuersam Scociam
nondum plene recepta propter doctorum eiusdem ecclesie raritatem . inter
quos beatus Volocus antistes confessor Christi perspicuus in boreali parte
eiusdem preclaris fertur miraculis floruisse / et excelsas inter rupes habitandi
locum preelegisse dicitur • Nam relictis patria et parentibus postquam
Christi fidem ad plenum diuinitus intellexerat : auditoque de nostro Salua-
tore lesu Christo pro se et aliis miseris peccatoribus turpissimam sus-
tinuisse mortem equidem et quod pro nostra omniumque salute a Patre in
terris descendens humanis sese subiciebat legibus / eius insequendo vestigia
beatus Volocus quantum nature sue fragilitas permittebat quam maximam
famem ■ sitem • frigiditatem : et hiis similia sponte pertulit pro debctis
aliorum quod ecclesie sui excessibus in hoc seculo satisfaceret • Pauperculam

' [" Two miles below the house of Beldorny, clos by the river side, are two natural
bathes, called Saint Wallach's Bathes, much frequented in the summer time by sick folk,
especially children ; lying betwixt two rocks, about six or seven paces in length, with two
of breadth, and four or five foot in deepth ; always full of water, even in the greatest
drouth. About a quarter of a myle doun the river, clos by the water side, there is ane
ruinous kirk, called Wallach Kirk. Some part of the walls do remain, with the Font.
There is a large churchyard about it, where many of the dead therabout are entcrrcd, to
this day ; with a glebe, yet belonging to the minister of the parish ; with some marks of
the priest his house yet remaining. About a hundred paces beneth the kirk is Saint Wal-
lach's Well, much frequented by sick folk." Description of the parish of Glass, 1724, in
Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

^ [From the Breuiarium Aberdonense, proprium Sanctorum pro temp, hyemali, if. xliiii.,xlv.]

130 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

namque casam calamis viminibusque contextam quamquam tamen honestam
regio palacio preelegit : in qua pauperculam et quam humilem terra duxit
vitam : seculi dignitates vbique fugiendo : vt alciorem in celo sibi vindicaret
lauream pro eterna mercede coronam perpetuam habere • Gentem vero
quam ad Christl fidem conuertendam proposuerat : et quam de facto sua pre-
dicacione et exhortacione conuertebat : ferocem indomitam et ferme omnium
morum honestate et virtute expoliatam et vacuam de facili ascultando dicere
nemo ambigeret / et cum beluis que omni racione destitute sunt quam cum ho-
minibus eorundemconuersionem existere • Quia neque aram neque templaseu
quecunque oratoria habebant in quibus Creatori sue laudes redderent : quan-
quam Christo nato non credidissent sicut profecto non crediderunt neque
intellexerunt : sed tanquam bruta animalia ventri somno et ingluuiei dediti
cecitate fidei vitam finierunt : eternam penam pro peccato infligendo iniustis
nullam esse asserentes • Beatus vero Volocus eorundem erroribus pie com-
paciens pro Christi amore a predicacione instructione exhortacione modo
lenia modo dulcia interdum dura et aspera inuicem permiscendo die nocte-
que eosdem persaudendo ad regnum eternum adipiscendum non cessauit /
nee interim diuina virtute quam adrairanda defuisse miracula illis presentibus
venit dubitandum : que quidem nisi huiusmodi interfuissent hactenus pro-
fecto ab erroribus fidei non conuertissent : sed intelligentes ea esse non
humani generis sed Dei / plures quam enumerare licet meritis gloriosis
beati Voloci cuius memoraulmus diem ad Christum conuersi sunt • Sed et
tandem in senectute perfecta quarto Kalendas Februarii animam suam
angelis astantibus ad Christum transuexit • in cuius hactenus honorem
parochiales ecclesie de Tunmeth et Logy in Mar dedicate sunt • ] '

' [S. Makuvolokcs, episcopus Sodorensis, Scotis illis silvestribus qui Hibernienses
dicuntur, vitae melioris praecepta tradidit. Scripsit ' Pro Aedibus sacris ad Mordacum
Regem, lib. i.' Floruit, anno cccxx. Colitur apud nostrates die xxix Januar. Breviaria
Scotica, et ecclesiae consensus." T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t.
ii., p. 452.'

" Sanctus Makuolocus Episcopus et Confessor Celebris est in Baluenia, Strath-
dona, et Marria, Scotiae prouincijs ob miraculorum gloriam. Extant in Marria duae paro-
chiales ecclesiae, scilicet Tunimeg et Logi, in S. Makuoloci honorem dedicatae. Do hoc
Sancto agunt Chronica Skonensia quae et Volocum nominant, Breuiarij Aberdonensis pars
hyemalis, Adamus Regius in Calendario, et alij." D. Camerarii De Fortitvdine Scotorvni,
p. 91.

" Januar. 29. S. Makuolok, bischop in Scotland, 720." Adam ICing's Kalendar.]

ANCIENT BISHOPS— SAINT NATHALAN. 131

OAINT Nachlan lived about A. D. ccccl.* It is written of him
that he followed the primitive employment of husbandry, (though
nobly born,) but gave away his increase to the poor ; that, having
gone in pilgrimage to Rome, he was there made a Bishop ; and, re-
turning home, built the churches of Bethelny, Cowl, and Tullich,
(all afterward dedicated to his memory,) at the last of which he
resided ; and his relicts were believed to work cures. His feast
was on the eighth of January, for which this collect is appointed in
the Aberdeen Breviary : " Fac nos tibi Domine iugiter mente
deuota adherere vt intercessione beati Nathalani confessoris tui
atque pontificis cum eodem perpetuas tibi laudes in gloria decantare
mereamur • Per Dominum ■ " '

[Lectiones in festo Sancti Nathalani episcopi et confessoris • ]"^

JNathalanus apud omnes vt fama estat celeberrima et res ipsa variis com-
memorat miraculis • in boreali Scotoruin parte vir magne sanctitatis et
deuoclonis fuit per prisca tempora / apuci Tullicht Aberdonensis nunc dio-
cesis floruisse creditur . qui postquam adultos superauerat annos et libera-
libus imbutus disciplinis diuine contemplacioni se et sua penitus dedicauit •
Atque cum inter cunctas hominum exercitationes agriculturam rusticam
superne contemplacioni propius accedere didiscerat suis propriis manibus
quamquam ex nobili familia enutritus fuerat colendi agros artem Hcet
humilem aliis relictis mundi supersticionibus exercere animum ne viciose
carnis turpitude contagioni locum daret • Interea eo contra Dyabolum
et mundum fragilem militante dira fames vndique suis vicinis proximis
et cognatis maxima in patria instabat sic quod totus pene populus fame et
ciborum inedia mortis periculo exponerentur ■ Sanctus vero Dei Natha-
lanus non minima pietate ductus singula sua grana ac quecunque alia
sua bona pro Chrlsti nomine pauperibus erogauit • sed veris tempore quo
cuncta germinancia terra visceribus commendantur adueniente non habens
vnde terram quam suis colebat manibus seminaret / reuelacione diuina

' [Adam] King's Calendar, [prefixed to his translation of Canisius " Cathechisme, or
Schort Instruction of Christian Religion, etc. At Paris, Imprinted be Peter Hyry, 1588."
8vo. : " Januar. 8., S. Nethalen, bischop in Scotland, and confessore, 452."]
' [Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, fol. xxv.]
2 JFrom the Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro. temp, hyemali, ff. xxv., xxvi]

182 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

illam sabulo vndique spargi iussit et seminauit • Ex quo de omni gra-
norura genere ex sabulo sate segetes creuerunt et vltra modura multi-
plicatum est • Tempore autem messis congregatis vtriusque sexus mul-
titudine virorum ac mulierum per euudem ad huiusmodi grana coUi-
genda / tempestas de celo valida ventorum turbinis et pluiue emissa est
in tantum quod messores predict! ab huiusmodi granorum collectioiie
recedere compulsi sunt : quare ipse primi motus calore cum ceteris mes-
soribus in Deum aliquantulum murmurauerat sed illico cessante tempestate
senciens Deum in tantum offendisse penitencia ductus sera ferrea et claue
dexteram suara tibiam cinxit et firmiter cum eadem clausit : clauemque
protinus in Dee fluuio precipitauit : sollenni per eundem prestito veto
nunquam eandem reseraret quousque Beatorum Apostolorum Petri et
Pauli limina visitaret / quod et factum est • Ingresso autem eo in vrbem
Sanctorum monumenta vbique in eadem Creatorem suum quem antea
ofFenderat piissime meditando adiit et plangendo adorauit • Progre-
diente autem eo per illius vrbis maxima discrimina nudo adolescenti
pisculum venditu gerente obuiam dedit a quo diuina virtute humili et permo-
dico comparauit precio In cuius ventrem clauem sere quam primitus in Dee
fluuio precipitauerat absque rubigine adinuenit cum qua de sua tibia seram
reserauit ' Summus vero tunc Pontifex de tam ingenti miraculo cercioratus
et maioris sanctitatis viro ad ipsius presenciam conuocatum inuitus tamen
ex humili agricola Spiritus Sancti gracia in Episcopum consecrauit • Multis
vero annis diuine contemplacloni cunctis se acceptabilem prebens ibidem
Rome deductis • genitalis soli tamen nee immemor . ad supremam ferme se-
nectutem redactus de illius Romani Pontificis indulgencia maxima ad partem
illam Scocie vnde primitus originem traxit peruenit / constructis per eundem
ecclesiis de Tullicht ■ Bothelim [I. Bothelni] • et Colle [/. Coulle] • easdem
Omnipotenti Deo suis sumptibus consecrauit / que in presenciarum in honore
ipsius dedicate existunt • Postque varia miraculorum insignia beatus Na-
thalanus plenus gracia per eundem diuinitus emissa sexto Idus Januarii
animam Domino commendauit atque super ethera celos conscendit • et apud
Tullicht magna in veneracione tantum latus languidis hucusque ibidem pie
et deuote venientibus sanitatem prebens •"]'

1 [" S. Nethalends, aut Nathalenus, episcopus et confessor, unus ex primis qui vitae
sanctiroonia, morumque integritate et innocentia, ecclesiis nostratibus praeluxerunt, scripsit
' Manuale Officii divini, lib. i. ; De Mysterio Incarnationis, lib. i. ; De Articulis Fidei, lib.

ANCIENT BISHOPS— SAINT EDDRAN. 133

Saint Eddran lived towards the end of the sixth century* He
was bred to religion from his childhood, but, being grown up, went
over to Irland, for his farther improvement among the clergy, who
were then famous there. By them he was made a Bishop, and,
returning into Scotland, took into his company certain priests and
deacons, whom he had before instructed, f and with whom he
travelled over the country, as a Pilgrim, labouring indefatigably for
the salvation of souls. Wheresoever he came he visited the sick,
(and, it is said, often cured them) ; and baptized and confirmed,
where there was need. He also consecrated several churches, and
particularly Rethin, which was afterward dedicated to his own
memory ; and in that parish there is a den, said to have been his
Hermitage, and to this day called Saint Eddran's Slack. His feast
is on the second of December ; and this is the collect for his day,
in the Aberdeen Breviary : " Deus qui per Sanctos tuos nobis in
terris quecunque postulata benigne concedis da nobis quesumus
intercedente beato Ethernano confessore tuo atque pontifice que
iuste postulauerimus apud te valeamus misericorditer obtinere . Per
Dominum •"

[Lectiones in die S • Ethernani episcopi et confessoris • '

£thernanus Episcopus ex Scotis non ignobili faniilia genitus : a cunabulis

i. ; De Donis Spiritus Sancti, lib. i. ; Ad Rudes Neophytos, lib. i.' Quae omnia ab impiis
haereticis flammis tradita religiosam sanctissimi Antistitis memoriam paene exstinxerunt,
nisi cura doctorum quorundam, et patriae amantium virorum, apices saltern operum ab in-
teritu vindicasset. Florebat anno cccclii. Colitur die vni. Januar. Breviar. Scotic."
T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., p. 504. See also D. Camerarii de
Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. 76 ; Butler's Lives of the Saints, vol. i., pp. 38, 39. edit. Dublin,
1836. 8vo ; Ruddiman's Edinburgh Magazine, vol. iv., p. 624. Edinb. 1760. 8vo. ; The
Guide to Deeside, by James Brown, pp. 33, 34. second edit. Aberd. 1835. 12mo. ; Statis-
tical Account of Scotland, vol. xii., p. 224. Edinb. 1794 : " The church of Tulloch is said
to have been founded by St. Nethalen, and an annual meeting of the inhabitants is regu-
larly kept, on the eighth of January, in honoxtr of his memory"]
' King's Calendar.

■f Breuiarura Aberdonense, [prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, ff. vi., vii.]
1 [From the Breuiarum Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyem., fF. vi., vii.]
S

134 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

et iuuenilibus annis bonaruin arcium studiis per parentes professoribus
Christi traditur imbuendus : sub quorum dicione in omni genere dicendi et
diuini numinis miracula cognoscendi atque ipsius Sumtni Dei / quod Christi-
anis omnibus maxima opere precium est / catbolicara fidem intelligendi offi-
ciosissime militauit : frugalitatis parcimonia tantummodo contentus : vt ad
litteras capescendas apcius animum accommodaret : ocio litteratorio sues su-
pra adultos traduxit annos et ad alcioris intellectus acumen aspirabat • Hinc
Hyberniam prouinciam et ibidem Christi doctores vires vita approbatissiraos
perlustrauit et peciit : vbi ecclesiasticis ab eisdem eruditus disciplinis verbum
Dei doctrina et exemplo palara cunctis predicauit • Ubi non longe post hoc
diuinitus ab Angelo accepto oraculo in Episcopura Spiritus Sancti illustrante
gracia sublimatus est • Assumpto autem eo in Episcopum verbi Dei semina
non cessauit nocte dieque vigiliis et lugubracionibus plurimis propalare : et
vbique indesinenterque magnanimiter ampliare et Christi fidem .extoUere /
tanquam ipsius Christi varus cultor et athleta fortis et potens aduersus car-
nem mundum fragilera et Dyabolum humani generis propugnatorem quam
strenuissime demicando : contra quos intestina plurima et intardum plurima
carnis suggestione agitabat bella • Sitiuit tamen super omnes mundi delicias
eiusdem possessiones et ipsius puleritudines vanas et supersticiones homi-
num falsas at inutiles / anime sue salutem et illorura precipue animas quos ad
regendos acceperat : de quibus singulis tantam axhibebat diligenciam et
curam in docendo predicando et in fide catholica confirmando quod samel in
die victu cibo et potu permodico tamen rudi at vili contentus cunctis diebus
vitam suam transigabat • Scociam vero denuo reuersus panels assumptis
secum scolasticis presbiteris et claricis qui secum ad heremi deserta com-
mitabantur in qua vitam Haramiticam duxit et artam pane et aqua intardum
contentus : non que mundi sunt quesiuit sad que Dai sunt ; vt in eius vinea
quid boni agerat studere proposuit atque vt na talentum absconderet quod a
Domino acceperat : at vt heredem celestis habitaculi se faceret in terris quod
ab inicio Deus ipse gloriosus ordinauit in calis • Senio autem annorum nume-
rositate redactus quamplurimos a gantditatis parfidia sua predicacione con-
uertebat : longaqua plures vnda baptismatis lauit : et quos baptizatos reperit
crismata sancto contirmauit : ecclesias cimiteria et alia pia loca grates et
vitro Omnipotent! Deo consecrauit et dedicauit : paupares at languidos
vbique confortando visitauit et sanitati diuina clemencia sufFultus restituit •
delude ecclasiam de Rathina in Buchanie confinibus Omnipotenti Deo
consecrauit que vsque hodie in honore ipsius in presens dedicata est .

ANCIENT BISHOPS— SAINT MANIRE. 135

Tandem correptus egritudine quarto Nonas Decembris conualuit ad
superos • '

Saint Manire, a Bishop, in the beginning of the ninth centnry,
travelled painfully among the Highlanders, in the upper parts of
Mar, that he might recover them from the many remainders of
idolatry and superstition, which, even till then, were to be found
among them. He also built the first church there ; and, dying in
that country, A. D. dcccxxiv., had the church of Crathie dedicated
to him. The Aberdeen Breviary, (which is very incoi-rectly printed,)
calls it " ecclesia dei Trahit ;" but the tradition at Crathie clears
it, quhere he is called Saint Miniar. His feast is on the eighteenth
of December, in the Aberdeen Breviary, in King's Calendar, and in
Camerarius, who says, that he was held in great reverence in Bal-
vanie. ^ This is the collect for his day, in the Aberdeen Breviary :
" Te Domine suppliciter deprecamur vt interuentu beati Maniri
confessoris tui atque pontificis valeamus tecum qui es via Veritas et
vita cum eodem in cells requiescere et perhenniter viuere ■ Per
Dominum • " '

[Lectiones in die Saucti Maniri episcopi et confessoris.-*
Catholica per Scotos suscepta fide nonnulle ydolatrie et supersticiones inter
eosdem quos siluestres appellant / qui inter nemora rupes et deserta loca
habitant et conuersantur / longe post latuere : propter dicte nacionis lingue
varietates : in quibus Christi doctores minus docti et experti in predicando
et docendo fuere : ad quas remouendas eisdem siluestribus instinctus diuino
adraonitu beatus Manirus pontifex egregius vtriusque lingue et sermonis
peritissimus vitro adiuit : et quanquam feroces minus indomiti et indisci-
plinabiles fuerunt eorundemque minas minime formidando accedere non per-

' [See T. Dempsteri Hist. Eccl. Gent. Scot., t. i.,p. 231. ; D. Camerarii de Scot. Fort.,
p. 203 : " Celebris habetur in Buchania prouincia ;" Stat. Ace. Scot., vol. vi., p. 15.]

^ [" Celebris habebatur in ea Scotiae prouincia, cui Baluenia nomen." D. Camerarii
de Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. 202.]

^ [Breuiarum Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyem., fol. xix.]

■• [From the Bieuiarium .\berdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp. hyem. fF. xix., xx.]

136 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

timuit • Namque cum verbum Dei predicaret et eisdem alium ritum
aliumque in Christo viuendi modum instituerit / verbis comminatoriis deri-
deiido et blasphemando eundem Increpauerunt : nee mirum in primatiue
ecclesie exordio talium supersticionum assuefactio eosdem adherere et in
tantum inclinare cogebat • nouum quidem et apud illos inauditum acceperunt
ritum ■ Quia vt beatus ait Augustinus / Consuetude que adiuuat vtilitate
nouitate perturbat / qualiter catholica fides in suo inicio apud illos illorum ani-
mos impulsit • Beatus igitur Manirus in tanta positus inter indomitos perplex-
itate anxietate et miseria pro Christ! amore acerbissimam eius meditando
passionem cum omni paciencia humilitate et pietate quam pacientissime sus-
tinuit • etenim pro fide Christi quam predicauerat in vtrumque paratus se
obtulit seu illicito morti occumbere aut cum illis perpetuo exilio condemnari :
propterea nomen ei diuinitus imponebatur Manirus a rure raanendo dictus
aut a minis malorum hominum existens inuictus : Dyaboli vires gloriosis-
sime superando • Non enim aurum diuicias aliaque suplectilia dum inpre-
senciaram hoc mundo laboraret desiderabat / sed a cunctis dlspersus ciuibus
et Regum domibus destitutus : animas perditorum hominum Christo lucri-
f'acere animum suum super omnia disposuit et anhelauit : non querendo que

mundi sunt sed que Dei : amor quippe et dilectio Christi [ ] omnem

superat audaciam et voluntariam pro eo subire mortem ex pusillanimo et de-
bili magnanimum facit et strenuum qualem beatum Maniruni cuius hodie
festa celebramus merito appellabimus / quem pro ausilio apud Demn benigne
propiciatorem ponemus • Eius vero gesta sublimia et insignia miracula
nobis manifesta in terris : ipsum virum sanctum mansuetum pium et Deo
carum procul dubio ostentant in cells : quotidiana eius predicacio et indocto-
rum hominum fi-equens instructio eosdem baptizando et in fidem Christi con-
firmando per nos ipsum venerandum et colendum inducunt et impellunt : atque
vbi ab inicio nusquam in loco Dei basilica constructa fuerat seu dedicata
inter montanos illos nouam in Omnipotentis Dei honore construxit eccle-
siam - vt fidem illam Christi quam predicauerat inibi propalaret et ecclesias-
tica sacramenta rudes illi perciperent / quod factum illis satis admiratu fuit
quod domunculam quamcunque domum Dei consecratam vocitarent • Sed
beatus Manirus hominum modestissimus ad beate viuendum persausor et
pastor vt sua predicacione perdicionis filios ab inicio per graciam sibi datam
adopcionis Dei filios faceret quam plurimas perpessus est molestias in vigiliis
continuis et oracionibus assiduis que vix nisi Dei prouidencia propiciaretur
per naturam quomodo suft'erre potuerit nisi ilia sola afFuerit spes nisi qui

ANCIENT BISHOPS— SAINT MACHAR. 137

legitime certauerit victorie palmam in extremo minime reportabit / natura
oranino sese perdita daret • sed tandem eisdem in fide confirmatis et variis
per eundem Dei virum emissis celitus miraculis quinto decimo Kalendas
Januarii migrauit ad Christum et in ecclesia Dei Trahit [/. /. de Crathi]
hucusque colitur et veneratur • ]'

Saint Machar, (whom Dempster '^ fancies to have been of the
Machermites, in Argile,) lived towards the end of the ninth cen-
tury, according to Boetius,* who for this quotes Verimund and
Campbel ; and is called Bishop of Aberdeen by several authors, as
Archdeacon Ballanden, in his translation of Boetius,^ and Came-
rarius. * And the tradition is, that he built a chappel where the

' [See T. Dempster! Hist. Ecclesiast. Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., p. 458 ; Adam King's
Kalendar: " Dec. 18. S. Manere bischop and confessore in Scotland vnder King Dungalle.
824."]

2 [Dempster's conjecture refers, not to S. Machar, bishop in Scotland, but to S. Maca-
rius, abbot of Wirtzburg, or Herbipolis, who died in the year 1153. See Historia Eccle-
siastica Gentis Scotorum, pp. 446, 447, 448,* 449.* Dempster's notice of the patron saint
of the cathedral church of Aberdeen is exceedingly meagre : " ' S. Machorius, religiosus
et pius Murthlaci episcopus,' ait anonymus in libello de Antiquitate Rehgionis in Scotia.
De eo sic Hect. Boetli., lib. ix. Hist. Scot, in fine : ' Insignes habiti sunt eruditione et
vitae innocentia inter nostrates, Soluathio Scotorum rem tenente, Machorius episcopus,
cujus nomini praecipuum Aberdonense templum, ubi nunc sacra episcopalis sedes, est dica-
tum.' Hie a Martyrologio Romano, ut multi alii, malo Scotiae fato, absunt. Scripsit :
' Ad populates Scotos, lib. i. ; De Pictorum Excidio, lib. i.* Joan. Fordun. Vixit anno
D ccc Lxxx. Colitur xii. Novembris, et dedicatio templi ejus incidit in xv. Januarii."]

• [Scot. Hist.] in Solvathio, [fol. 184.]

' [" In thir days war mony clerkis of singulare eruditioun and life ; as Macharius,
Bischope of Abirdene, to quhome the cathedrall kirk is dedicat." Bellenden's Croniklis,
buke ix., chap, xxx., vol. ii., p. 125.]

■• [" Sanctus Macarius Episcopus Aberdonensis. Hie animarum verus pastor, nullis
inflatus diuitiis, nullo fastu tumidus, sed potius in paupertatis studiis et humilitatis se exer-
cens, gregera Domini singular! modestia et eharitate regebat. Magno fuit in honore apud
Soluatium Scotorum Regem. In eius honorem primaria et cathedralis ecclesia Aberdo-
nensis excitata est, quae ante maximae eius partis a nefariis haereticis demolitionem paucis
Europae ecclesiis cedebat. De eo vide Leslaeum, lib. 4. historiae, Regium in Calendario,
et aliis." D. Camerarii De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. 198. See also G. Conaei de Dvplici
Statv Religionis apvd Scotos libri duo, p. 42. Romae, 1628. 4to.

" Novembre 12. S. Machare bischope and confessore vnder King Soluathius in Scot-
land." Adam King's Kalendar.]

138 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

present cathedral stands. It is said also, that the isle in this ca-
thedral, which is now called Bishop Scougal's, and fovmerlj Bishop
Cheyne's, was at first called Saint Machar's isle : as if he had been
buried there, as well as the other two. And 'tis said he resided in
the north of Scotland, at a place where a river falls into the sea in
the form of a crosier, as indeed Don doth beneath the cathedral here.
This story is told in the Aberdeen Breviary, (where also his feast
is appointed for the twelfth of November,) and in certain Irish
Legends, (quoted by Mi-. Thomas Innes ' in his letter to Mr. Ker, -)
where he is represented as the son of an Irish prince, and as
having come over with Saint Colm, (which contradicts Boetius's
chronology,) by whom he was sent, with other twelve, to preach to
the northern Picts ; that, having gone to Rome, he was there
made a Bishop, (taking the name of Mauric,) but dyed, in his re-
turn, at Tours, (where he was bred). But that church and its relicts
being rifled by the Hugonots, A. D. m.dlxii., 'tis supposed his relicts
were destroyed on that occasion.

[Oracio in solemnitate Sancti Mauricii sive Macliarii confessoris et ponti-

ficis ecclesie Aberdonensis ■ ^
Oeus qui beatum Mauricium confessorem tuutn atque pontificem ecclesie
tue voluisti preesse pastorem tribue quesumus / vt qui eius natalicia coli-
mus spe futuri gaudii non fraudemur . Per Dominum .

Lectiones •

bacram soleranitatem recolendissimi et sancti patris nostri Mauricii dignis
cum laudibus celebraturi de ipsius nonnullis vite gestls et miraculorum in-
signiis pie meditanda enarrare conuenit • Nam sicuti eius vera narrat Hys-

' [The learned author of " A Critical Essay on the Ancient Inhabitants of Scotland."
Lond., 1729. 2 vols. 8vo. See The Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. ii., pref.,
pp. cxiv^cxix.]

2 [John Ker, Professor of Greek in the King's College and University of Aberdeen,
from 1717 to 1734; and of Humanity in the University of Edinburgh, from 1734 till his
death in 1741. See The Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. ii., pref., p. cxx.]

* [From the Breuiarum Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, estivali, in die xii. Nouem-
bris.]

ANCIENT BISHOPS— SAINT MACHAR. 139

toria ex Syacano patre Ybernensium Regulo et Synchena matre eiusdem
Regina beatum Mauricium genitum fuisse comperimus : a sanctissimo patre
Colmano baptizatum qui nomen imposuit Mocunma hunc equidem suorum
parentum cura et diligencia non minima educatum et nutritum inuenimus •
Equidem in eo de die in diem crescebat virtus Dei et graeia et sepius
confortabatur visitacione Angelica: nam quodam tempore dum pater eius Rex
prefatus cum suis ministris deambularet iusta domum in qua puer sanctus
nutriebatur / desursum respiciens diligenter vidit Angelos Domini de celo
discendentes et super tectum illius domus volitantes : nonnunquam vero do-
mum intrabant et circa cunabula pueri psallentes deambulabant : quos
videns pater ingenti gaudio sustulit infantem de cunis et benedixit Deum
qui talem sibi mundo produxerat prolem • Per quod vero tempus accidit ut
Regina prefata interea pepererat viro suo alterum filium qui in ortu eiusdem
morte preuentus fuerat : de cuius morte cum eius totafamilia plurimum con-
tristabantur in dolore ac tristicia non minimis afficiebantur • Sed Rex in se
reuersus sanctitatem filii sui primogeniti Mocunme commemorans / iussit
infantem mortuum sub pallio eiusdem filii sui supponi quo posito mox mi-
rum in modum quam primum vt caro mortui carnem tetigisset viuentis pau-
lulumque califacta cepit se mouere et querelosas infancium more animatus
emittebat voces • Hiis et aliis in sue etatis exordio gestis beatus puer beati
Columbe magisterio et cure delegatus eius vite et actuum imitator esse
satagit deuotus : illius autem patris beatissimi Columbe lateribus iungeba-
tur . sedule ad illius genua assidebat • assidueque ex illius ore quotidie
hauriens fluenta doctrine ■ quicquid autem illius auribus doctrine aut sciencie
foris infundebatur et in cordis armariolo recordabatur et cum partu turn
incremento seruabatur : ac inter discipulos suos ita modeste se habebat vt
superiores industria et minores humilitate superaret • Interea per idem
tempus dum sanctus Columba beatum Mauricium ad insulam nomine Mulam
fidem Dei predicandam misisset / occurrerunt ei obuiam septem leprosi
orantes et eius benedictionem implorantes cumque acriter beatum rogarent
virum dixit / Ite in fontem proximum et lauamini / qui abeuntes lauauerunt
se iuxta verbum sancti viri et statim lepra decessit ab eis et reuertentes
laudauerunt et glorificauerunt Dominum in Sanctis suis ■ Alio namque in
tempore cum beatus Mauricius quendam agrum suum pertransiret comi-
tantibus eum pluribus viris et mulieribus vidit eminus aprum ferocem ve-
nientem segetes suas sufFodientem et eius conculcantem pedibus dampnum
non modicum populo terre et frugibus inferentem ■ At ipse Mauricius
elevatis in celuni manibus dixit / Ne tradas Domine bestiis animas confitentes

140 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

tibi / addiditque / Et tu cruenta bestia immobilis sta in Christ! nomine
donee te tetigero • Stetit ergo immobilis baculoque beati viri per-
cussus illico vertitur in lapidem qui in huius miraculi memoria permanet in
presens • Notandum autem quod et is qui de quinque talentis decern :
et is qui de duobus quatuor reportauit equali voce collaudatur cum utrique
a Domino dicatur / Euge serue bone et fidelis quod est bene gaude / et
qualiter seruus cum Domino gaudeat declaratur cum subinfertur / Super
pauca fuisti fidelis super multa te constituam / cui recte subiungitur / Intra
in gaudium Domini tui . Quare cum tantis et pro tantis mercedem accipiet
quantos bene viuendo et bene docendo lucratus est • In quibus verbis
intelligimus quod illi maiorem mercedem sunt a Domino in eterna vita
recepturi qui bene vivendo ad aliorum erudicionem vel doctrinam spiri-
tualiter inuigilant quod alibi Dominus apercius declarat cum dicentibus
apostolis / Domine ad nos dicis banc parabolam an non / Et ad omnes res-
pondit / Quis putas est fidelis seruus et prudens quem constituit dominus
super familiam suam ut det illis cibum in tempore : beatus ille seruus quem
cum venerit dominus inuenerit sic facientem : amen . amen • dico vobis
quoniam super omnia bona sua constituet eura / Qui enira super omnia
constituitur duplicem mercedem accipiet non solum quod sancte vixit
sed eciam quia digne docuit . Unde Daniel cum de resurrectione mortuorum
loqueretur ut ostenderet magistros spirituales super omnia bona constitu-
endos ait / Qui autem docti fuerunt fulgebunt quasi splendor firmamenti
et qui ad iusticiam erudiunt multos quasi stelle in perpetuas eternitates /
Quam desiderabilem vocem et inefFabile gaudium audire desiderans bea-
tissimus pater noster Mauricius cuius bodie festiuitatem celebramus : talen-
tum sibi creditura bene docendo et bene viuendo studuit erogare ut gemi-
natum illud Domino reportaret non tantum monendo pios sed eciam com-
primendo reprobos : Et idee quia iuxta scripture vocem / gaudium patris
est filius sapiens / tantum eius excrescit meritum gaudium quantum incre-
menta proficiunt spiritualium filiorum . Unde necesse est vt vnusquisque
nostrum fratres carissimi huius beatissimi patris nostri vestigia sequentes
talentum quod a Domino accipiemus non in terra abscondamus sed cum
magno desiderio erogare studeamus vt geminatum Domino referamus • ]

Saint Devenic was cotemporary with Saint Macbar, and was at
that time an archdeacon. So says Boetius ;* yet I find others, as

* [Scot. Hist.] in Solvathio, [f. 184.]

ERECTION OF THE SEE OF MURTHLAC. 141

King, in his Calendar, ' call him a Bishop, (as if he had succeeded
Saint Machar) ; and he has two churches here. Nether Banchory
and Methlick, called after his name. His feast is on the thirteenth
of November.

II. THE CATHEDRAL OF MURTHLACK, WITH ITS EPISCOPAL PALACE,
AND ITS BISHOPS.

The Erection of the See of Murthlack by King Malcolm II.

Malcolmus Rex Scotorum • Omnibus probis honiinibus suis tam clericis
quam laicis Salutem • Sciatis me dedisse et hac presenti carta mea confir-
masse Deo et Beate Marie et omnibus Sanctis et episcopo Beyne de Murth-
lach • ecclesiam de Murthlach vt ibidem construatur sedes episcopalls •
cum terris meis de Murthlach • ecclesiam de Cloueth * ( now Clovah in
Kildrummy parish belomjiwj to Lumsden of Ciixliny ) cum terra • ecclesiam
de Dulmeth * (now Dunmeth in Glass parish possessed by Duff of Brako
u-ho possesses also the greater part of Morthlach ) cum terra • ita libere
sicut eas tenui . et in puram et perpetuam eleemosynam • Teste meipso apud
Forfar octauo die mensis Octobris anno regni mei sexto • f

The Bishoprick of Murthlack was founded by King Malcolm II.,
A. D. M.X., X and continued till its translation to Old Aberdeen, by

1 [" November 13. S. Dcuinike, bischop and confessor in Scotland, vnder King Sol-
iiathius, 887."]

• These two churches were afterward given, by Bishop Pottok, tor maintenance of the
lights and other ornaments in Aberdeen cathedral.

t Chartulary of Aberdeen.

{ " Diplomata extant in rei fidem." Boetius de Vitis Episcoporum Aberdonensium [f. iii.]
[" Anno regni Malcolnii septimo de multimodis sibi collatis a Deo benefices continue re-
colens, quidilli retribueret mente soUicita revolvit. Spiritus Sancti tandem operante gratia,
divinum augere cultum corde concipiens, novam Episcopalem constituit sedem apud Mur-
thillach, non procul a loco quo, superatis Norvagensibus, victoriam obtinuit, ecdesiis ac.
praediorum redditibus plurimis praedotatam. Hujus autem dioecesim sive territorium, ab
amne sive fluvio, qui dicitur Dee, transversum protendens usque flumen de Spey, dirigi
voluit. Ad banc sedem primus Episcopus vir sanctus et Episcopatu dignus, cui nomen Beyn,
ad Regis instantiam a domino Papa Benedicto VIII. promotus est." Joan. Forduni Scoti-
chronicon, lib. iv., cap. xliv., vol. i., p. 227.]

142 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Saint David, in A.D. m.c.xxxvi., that is, a hundred and sixteen
years, under four Bishops ; the last of whom was translated, and
the three first were all buried at the postern door of this cathedral.

BISHOPS OF MURTHLACK.

Saint Beyne. He dyed, A. D. m.xli., having sat thirty-one years.
His feast was on the sixteenth of December. " Aberdone Beani
Episcopi in Hybernia," says the Martyrologium Romanum. '

' ["Dec. 16. Aberdone in Hiberniasancti Beani Episcopi." " Vetera manusoripta," says
Baronius, " ex quibus Molanus hac die. Fuit hie Episcopus Aberdonensis, vt idem testa-
tur." Sacrvm Martyrologivm Romanvm, pp. 841, 84"2., edit. Colon. Agrip. 1610. 4to.

" S. Beanus Murthlaoensis in Scotia primus antistes, quae sedes Aberdoniam postea
translata, quod locum priorem Dani delevissent. H. Boethius, lib. xi. Hist. Scotic. pag.
ccxxxxv. ' Murthlaci sacrum magistratum omnium primus gessit Beanus, vir pietate et
eruditione insignis, inter divos, sed aliquot post annos relatus." Eum Usuardi Martyrologio
adjecit ex codice vetere munscripto Joannes Molanus, atque ita memoriam ejus celebrat Mar"
tyrologium Romanum ad diem xvi. Decembris : ' Aberdoniae in Hibernia S. Beani epis-
copi.' Duplex compilatoris error; nam neque Aberdoniae civitas in Hibernia, sed in Scotia,
portu maris coramodo, et academia celebratissima. Notat Philippus Ferrarius Alexandrinus,
mathematicus, ordinis Servorum generalis, in Topographia ad Martyrologium Romanum.
Neque ille Aberdoniae episcopus, sed Murthlaci habendus, nondum enim usque ad S. Davidis
Regis tempora episcopatus Murthlaco Aberdoniam translatus ; et tamen eundem errorem in
Martyrologio suo transcripsit Petrus Galesinius, protonotarius apostolicus. Scripsit ' Do.
cumenta Fidei lib. i. ; Evangelii Narrationes lib. i. ; Epistolas ad diversos lib- i.' Claruit
anno mxl. sub optimo Rege Malcolmo II. Latius egi in successione ecclesiae Aber-
donensis." T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., pp. 66, 67. See
also D. Camerarii De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. 202 ; Joann. Lcslaei De Rebus Gestis
Scotorum, p. 193 ; G. Conaei, De Dvplici Statv Religionis apvd Scotos, p. 54.

Both Molanus and Baronius, as well as Dempster and Chalmers, together with almost all
succeeding writers, have confounded the Bishop of Murthlac with an Irish Saint of the same
name, Saint Bean, a Bishop in Leinster, commemorated on the sixteenth of December. (But-
ler's Lives of the Saints, vol. ii., pp. 1048, 1119.)

The feast of our Scotish Bishop was celebrated on the twenty-sixth of October. Under
that date is inserted the festival " Beani episcopi et confessoris" in the elaborate Kalendar
preinxed to the " Epistolare de tempore et de Sanctis ad cathedralis ecclesie Abirdonensis
usuni," a very beautiful manuscript in vellum, WTitten at Antwerp in 1527 at command of
Bishop Dunbar, and now preserved in the Library of the King's College and University of Aber-
deen. There is no commemoration appointed in this Kalendar for the sixteenth of December.

" Oct. 26. S. Bean first bischop of Murthlic Kirk whilk Bischopric was tiansfereit to
Aberdone vnder King Malcolme 2. 1010." (Adame King's Kallendar.) See also Sir
Harris Nicolas' Chronology of History, p. 131., edit. Lond. 1838.]

BISHOPS OF MURTHLAC. 143

Saint Donort. He dyed, A.D. m.xcviii., Laving sate forty-two
years. His feast was on the nineteenth of August, according to
Camerarius.'

Saint Cormac. He dyed about A.D. m.c.xxii., having sate twenty-
four years : Boetius says, thirty-nine years ; ^ but ther must be a
mistake in the printing. Camerarius ^ places his feast on the
fifteenth of August.''

Saint Nkctan, whose feast, according to Camerarius, was on the
twenty-third of August." He was in great favour with Saint

' [" S. DoNORTius, episcopus Murthlacensis, magna sanctitatis opinione successit S.
Beano, qui primus in ea ecclesia sederat. Hect. Boethius, lib. xi. Hist. Scot. pag. ccxlv.
et in lib. de Pontificum Aberdonensium Vitis, nam Murthlacensis translata est Aberdoniam
cathedra. Scripsit Donortius ' Vitam S. Beani antecessoris sui. lib. i.' Sedebat anno hxl.
Quo die colatur non observavi, at memoria ejus die xxi. Aug. colitur : vii. Aug. xvi. ejus-
dem reliquiae translatae." T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., p.
204. See also G. Coiiaei De Dvplici Statv Religionis apvd Scotos, p. 57.

" Aug. 19. die. Sanctus Donortius Episcopus Aberdonensis. Quadraginta annos egit
pontificatum, in vita et post mortem miraculorum gloria clarus. Hie inter caetera pietatis
raonumenta, instituendae iuuentutis, suis vectigalibus ac fortunis in Aberdonensi Dioecesi fecit
primordia, eoque hoc pium opus Dei creuisse cernitur, vt in hodiernum vsque diem Celebris
in eadem Aberdonensi ciuitate habeatur vniuersitas ; quam Beatus Guillelmus Elphinstonius
Aberdonensis Episcopus non modo agris et ecclesiasticis reditibus ornauit, sed velut de nouo
erexit." D. Camerarii de Scotorvm Fortitvdine, pp. 167, 168. See also Joann. Leslaei
De Rebus Gestis Scotorum, p. 193.]

^ [Aberdonensivm Episcoporvm Vitae, f. iii b.]

3 [De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. 1 67-]

* [" S. CoBMActTs, Sancti Beani et Donortii in episcopatu Murthlacensi successor, et
eruditus et pius antistes, de quo nUiil addendum iis quae ab Hectore Boethio smit prodita
lib. de Episcopis Aberdonensibus. Ejus sunt: ' Conciones piae, lib. i.' Ecclesiam rege-
bat suam mxli. Hector. Boeth., lib. ix., Histor. Scot., pag. ccxlv." T. Dempsteri
Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., p. 156. See also G. Conaei De Dvplici
Statv Religionis apvd Scotos, p. 57.]

^ [" Aug. '23. die. Sanctus Nectanus Episcopus Aberdonensis, apud Dauidem Scoto-
rum Regem tanta valuit gratia, vt omnium in republica ncgotiorum momenta ab illius nutu
et consilio Rex merito pendere voluerit. Episcopatum Aberdonensem pius Rex Sancti
Nectani causa multis donauit prouentibus, atque praediis Veteris Aberdoniae, de Sclaty,
Goul, Murcroft, Kynmundy, Mameulach, Clat, Tulynestin, Rain, Dauiot, etc." D. Ca-

144 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

David, of Scotland, wbo was much influenced by his counsel. After
having sate here fourteen years, he was translated to Old Aber-
deen, by Saint David, in A.D. m.c.xxxvi.

The Translation of the See of Murthlack to Old Aberdeen by
Saint David.

David Dei grracia Rex Scotorum • Omnibus probis homiuibus tocius terre
sue clericis et laicis • Sciant presentes et futuri me dedisse concessisse et hac
presenti carta mea confirmasse Deo • et Beate Marie • et Beato Macbario • et
Nectano episcopo Aberdouensi • totara villam de veteri Aberdon • dimidiam
aquam de North (that is Don as Malcolm s charter explains it) • Sclaty (in
Old Machar now belonging to Sandilands of Crahstone ) • Goul ( Gavel in
Old Machar. Old Govel now belongs to Gordon of Govel ; and Clubs
Govel and Little Govel to Skene of Lethenty) • Murecroft ( Murcar in
Old Machar now belonging to Fraser of Fraserfield ) • Kinmundy fin
Neiv Machar now belonging to Menzies of Kinmundie) • Mameulach (in
New Machar now belonging to Gordon professor of Hebrew in The King's
College) ■ etecclesiain de Klrktoun (that is the church of Old Aberdeen) ■
schyram de Clat • schyram de TuUnestyn • schyram de Rayn • schyram
de Dauiot • cum pertinenciis earundera et ecclesiis ■ decimam cani ( kain,
taxes or tribute J nauium que veniunt apud Aberdon - decimam annone in
eodem loco . decimam meam de redditibus de Aberdon . decimam thana-
giorum redituum et eschetarum me contingentium infi-a vicecomitatus de
Aberdon et Banf . Tenendas et habendas dicto episcopo Nectano et eius
successoribus in puram et Uberam eleemosynam • ita libere sicut aliqua
eleemosyna in regno raeo tenetur . Teste nieipso apud Forfar . anno
regni mei decimo tertio • tricesimo die Junii •

King Malcolm IV. confirms this donation to Bishop Edward, by
his charter dated the eighth day of December, in the third year of
his reign.

Pope Adrian IV. grants a confirmation to Bishop Edward of all

merarii de Fortitvdine Scotorvni, p. 168. See Joan. Leslaei De Rebus Gestis Scoto-
rum, p. 211.]

BULL OF POPE ADRIAN IV. 145

the lands of this see by a Bull, (signed by himself and eight cardi-
nals), dated August the tenth, A. D. m.c.lvii., and beginning thus :

Adrianus episcopus seruus seruorum Dei • Venerabili fratri Edwardo
episcopo Aberdonensi eiusque successoribus canonice substituendis in per-
petuum • Saluteni et ApostoUcam benedictionem ■

After a preamble, concerning the care of the church committed to
him, adressing himself to Bishop Edward, he speaks thus :

Tuis itaque iustis postulacionibus clementer annuimus • et tarn perso-
nam tuam quara Aberdonensetn ecclesiam . cui Deo auctore preesse dig-
nosceris . sub beati Petri et nostra protectione suscipimus •

Then he confirms whatsoever the church of Aberdeen did already,
or should hereafter, justly possess, and so comes to particularize its
possessions at that time, among which he reckons up, (besides what
is already named) :

Ecclesiam Sancti Macharii ■ decimam piscarie de Crovis • Petbferlen •
Ardmachin • ArdechilUn (m the Foundation of Saint Peter s Hospital I
find Ardscliellij, Petenderleyn, and Ardonachyn (jifted to it hi/ the Bishop,
which I suppose to be the same) • Petsprottis • Murrod • Tulligreg ■ eccle-
siam Sancti Nicolai de Aberdeen • decimam molendini Aberdonensis • cum
uno rete in South aqua . et totam decimam piscium que ibi capiuntur
(A.D. 1430, I find Hugh Wells, rector of Durrys, who had been excom-
municated for seizing the tithe of the fishes of Dee, (belonging to the
Bishop,) on pretence that they were due to the vicar of Nig, came into Saint
Macar's and there acknowledged his fault, before Bishop Henry Leighton,
sitting in judgment, who thereupon ewoins Thomas de Tynningham his
archdicon to give him absolution, and commands him the said Hugh to come
to-morrow and receive what pennances 'shall be imposed on him) ■ totam
decimam piscium que capiuntur in Stellis • decimam de Baldwinstoune an-
none et piscium ■ decimam de Badfochel • monasterium de Cloveth • villam
et monasterium de Mortblach cum quinque ecclesiis • ecclesiam de Ochtir-
less • ecclesiam de Inuercrudan • ecclesiam de Balhelvy - ecclesiam de
Brass • ecclesiam de Dulmack • ecclesiam de Banchory Devinic • cum per-
tinentibus suis • terram de Ellon quam Magister Philippus tenuit • villam
de Fetterneir et ecclesiam cum suis pertinentibus • villam que fuit Bastiani

146 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

presbyteri cum pertinentibus suis • villain que fuit Achilides secus Aber-
deen Preterea monacbos siue canonicos in tua eatbedrali ecclesia

iuxta disposicionem tuam instituendi liberam auctoritate Sedis Apostolice
habeas facultatem • etc ■

Kincf Malcolm IV. confirms to Bishop Matthew Kinninmont the
churches and tithes, and several of the lands befor mentioned, to-
gether with which ther are named in that charter, (dated apiid Stri-
velin anno regni undecimo,) the church of Oyne with its lands and
pertinents, and the tithe of all the Kings rents and escheats be-
tween Dee and Spey, as well as that of the thanages and escheats
of the two Sheriffdoms of Banf and Aberdeen. Hereupon King
William gives this mandate :

Willielmus Dei gratia Rex Scotorum . Alano Hostiario justiciario
nostro ex parte boreali Salutem • Cum frater meus concesserit domino
Mattbeo • episcopo Aberdonensi • secundas decimas de omnibus redditibus
lirmis eschetis suis infra vicecomitatus de Aberden et Banf • Tibi pre-
cipio quod de dictis decimis dicto domino episcopo et ejus successoribus
responderi facias . Datum apud Edinburgh anno regni nostri decimo.

King Alexander II. grants to Richard Poyton, Bishop of Aberdeen,
a confirmation as to " omnes iUas donaciones et decimas reddituum
nostrorum tarn thanagiorum quam burgorum inter Dee et Spey •
cum decima eschetarum finium et exituum curiarum nostrarum

justiciarie camerarie et vicecomitatus earundem Apud

Kinghorn decimo Maii anno regni septimo • "

King David II., (in his parliament at Perth,) after fuU inquiry
made, confirms to Bishop Alexander " secundas decimas cum exi-
tibus curiarum." King Robert II. confirms the same " secunde
decime " for Formartin.

King Malcolm IV., by another charter, (dated " apud Banf decimo
quinto Nouembris anno regni vndecimo") gives to the same Bishop,

ENDOWMENTS OF THE SEE OF ABERDEEN. 147

Matthew Kinninmont, his own barony of Murthill, with common
pasturage in his forrest of Aberdeen, and leave to chuse for himself
one of the four forresters there residing.

King William, by his charter, gives to the same Bishop all the
lands of Brass, (namely, Ochtyrbrass, Drumenachy, Enach, Kirk-
ton, Kinmonedy, Balfour, Tullysnaucht, Clone, Balnaboth, TuUi-
quhorsky, TuUicarny, etc.) with his own forrest of Brass, " cum om-
nibus natiuis dictarum terrarum • thanis meis tantum exceptis."

King Alexander II. gives Bi-ass and Fetterneir the privilege of a
free forest, in favour of Bishop Ralph ; so that none should shear
or hunt there, (without leave,) under ten pounds fine.

King Robert II., (by his charter, " apud Sterling, anno regni de-
cimo quinto,") grants to this see the " secunde decime " of the
mensal estate of Saint Andrews, (particularly Monimusk,) during
the vacancy of that see, which till then the King was wont to
receive himself.

King James IV., (by his charter at Linlithgow, A.D. m.cccc.xcviii.,)
instead of these " secunde decime " of all the King's wards and
reliefs and escheats within the two sheriffdoms, which were often
hard for the Bishop to collect, grants and assigns him the value of
the " secunde decime " out of such of the lands nearest to himself
as should happen to be owing them : commanding his two sheriffs
to see the same paid. This gift is confirmed by a charter of King
James V.

Alexander Stuart, Earl of Mar, and lord of the regality of The
Garioch, (by his charter, dated at Aberdeen, February the tenth,
A. D. M.cccc.vii.), confirms the gift of Ardlair, Eastertocber, and
the Kirkland of Oyne, before granted by his wife, Isabel Douglas
of Mar, to Bishop Gilbert. Yet Ardlair, (called here two ploughs

148 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

of the land of Kinnethmound, in the shire of Clatt, yalued at ten
merks yearly, and paying two merks to the Bishop), was given
originally to Bishop Matthew, by David [Earl of] Huntington,
King William's brother, which Bishop gave it to one Tatenelle for
a pound of incense, and a merk of silver, yearly : After that it was
possessed by the Buttei's, as in A. D. m.cccc.xviii.

Pope Innocent VI. confirms all the possessions and privileges of
this See, by his bull, dated at Lyons, the ninth year of his Ponti-
ficate.

A. D. M.cccc.XLix. Pope Paul II. confirms all the lands, tithes,
etc. made to the chapter of Aberdeen, particularly the churches of
Fordyce ; the two Logics ; that of Buchan, and that of Mar ;
Rathin ; Kildrummy ; Clovah ; and Dummeth.

III. THE CATHEDRAL OF ABERDEEN, WITH ITS EPISCOPAL PALACE AND
ITS BISHOPS.

Besides the old church, which was used here by the two first
Bishops, of wdiich we can give no account, ther have been three
cathedrals here successively, all built by difi"erent Bishops, and
dedicated to the memory of Saint Macar.

I. The first was begun by Bishop Matthew Kinninmond, which,
because it was not glorious enough, Bishop Cheyne threw down.

II. The second was begun by the same Bishop Cheyne, but
Bishop Alexander Kinninmond II., for the like reason, threw it
down.

III. The third cathedral, which is the present, was begun by the
same Bishop Alexander Kinninmond II., and, tliough the far noblest
of all,' nine score years a building, yet stood not entire twenty

' [" Quale, quaeso, erat Diui Macarij templum Abbirdoniae ? Qualia Canonicorum et
Capellanorum ibidem claustrum et horti, cum Episcopi palatio ? Ausim, et sine scrupulo
dicere, celebriora me in Gallia, Italia, Hispania, Belgio, paucissima vidisse, immo nee
similia." D. Camerarii De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, pp. 70, 71-]

THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MACHAR. 149

years ; for the rabble, at the Reformation, did so maim and disfigure
it, that its original grandeur is long since lost. However, as far as
it can be now traced, we shall endeavour to represent it in a few
words.

This Cathedral then consisted of a nave and choir, two wings at
the east, and two at the west end, and three steeples. It had also
thirty-two windows, whereof eight were called storm windows.

The nave, (or body of the church,) is sixty-four foot wide, and a
hundred and thirty-five foot long, and stands on twenty pillars, ten
on each side. Its cieling, which is very curious, and of the finest
oak, is painted over with three rows of coats of arms, running down
from one end to the other, that is from east to west. In the middle
row are those of the Pope, the Bishops of Scotland, and the Prior
of Saint Andrews. In the row on the right hand, are those of the
Emperor, with several other foreign Kings and Princes. And in that
on the left hand, are the arms of the King of Scotland, with those
of the chief Scotish nobility. Farther, on the north border of this
cieling, is figured the succession of the Bishops of Aberdeen ; and, on
the south border, that of the Scotish Kings from King Malcolm II.

The pulpet here was built by Bishop Stuart.

This nave was begun by Bishop Alexander Kinninmond II.
about A.D. M.ccc.LXx. ; roofed and paved by Bishop Lindsay, A.D.
M.cccc.XLV. ; leaded over by the Bishops Elphmston and Dunbar,
and cieled by this last. It was saved from utter ruin by [George]
Earl of Huntley, A.D. m.d.lx., when the Mernis rabble took the
lead from the roof. And last of all, it was slated by the parish,
A.D. M.DC.vir.

It has three doors ; the ivest door, formerly used for processions ;
the south, now called the marriage door, because such as are going
to be married enter in at it ; and the north door, which being unsuit-
able to the grandeur of the nave, was but going to be new built,
when the rabble destroyed it.

The choir, (which is now in rubbish,) was beautifyed by Bishop
Spence about A.D. m.cccc.lx., with a chair, (or throne,) for the

150 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Bishop, and new stalls for the priests ; but was demolished barbar-
ously, A.D. M.D.Lx., by the Mernis rabble above named.

The two wings on the east end are two isles :

The north isle, (called also Saint John's chappel, from the altar in
it dedicated to this saint,) built by Bishop Leighton, about A.D.
M.cccc.xxx., for his burial place ; but broken down by the above-
named rabble : wherein the Bishop's statue is seen lying on his
tomb. 'Tis now called The Gordon's Isle, because bought about
A.D. M.DC.xxx., by the Marquess of Huntley, for a burial place to
his family. In the Registrum Chartarum, it is called also Saint
Catharine's chappel, from its altar.

And the south isle, built by Bishop Dunbar, about A.D. m.d.xxil,
for his burial place, though both it, and his tomb, and his marble
statue are now broken down. This is commonly called The Light
Isle, as the other, The Dark Isle ; because, with respect to one an-
other, they are so indeed. A.D. m.dcc.xxv., it was broken dowTi
to build the south side of the [King's] college.

The two wings on the west end, are the consistory and Scougal's
isle.

The consistory, (on the north side,) was built by Bishop Stewart,
A.D. M.D.xxxix., and had a secret room adjoining to it, (under the
northern lesser steeple,) called the charter-house.

As to Scougal's isle, its age is unknown : it was, at first, called
Saint Macar's, and, afterwards, Bishop Cheyne's isle. Its present
name is from Bishop Scougal, who lyes there buried, having his
image in marble on the tomb.

Of the three steeples, the middle one was by far the greatest,
rising on four pillars between the nave and the choir. It was four
story high, and square, and had two battlements, and seems to have
been about one hundred and fifty foot high : was a noted landmark
off" at sea, and had fourteen bells, all gifted to it by Bishop Elph-
instone, which were carried away A. D. m.d.lx. by the rabble,
so often befor named. It was founded by Bishop Leighton, about
A. D. m.cccc.xxx. ; compleated by Bishop Elphinston, A. D.

THE BISHOP'S PALACE.

151

M.cccc.LXXXix. ; but, being neglected by those who were employed
to support it, it fell flat to the ground, Munday the ninth of May,

A. D. M.DC.LXXXIX.

The two lesser steeples on the west end are round and pyra-
midal, and each of them one hundred and twelve foot high. Tliat
to the south has a clock in it, and three bellsp; (their dates are
M.DC.xxii., but this bell, which is the bigest, is burst and disused ;
M.DC Lxxxvii. ; and m.dc.xviii.). And in that to the north, it is
supposed, the vestry of old was.

This cathedral had the privilege of a sanctuary, or girth, and
had a Girth-Cross, on the Bishop's dovecote-green, which was a
sure refuge for manslayers, or such as had committed slaughter by
pure accident and misfortune, without any malice or design.

Within this cathedral, I find these altars occasionally mentioned
in the Chartulary, etc. :

The Virgin Mary's, which is called
a high altar.

Saint Catharine's, founded by Bis-
hop Dunbar, perhaps in his own
isle.

Saint Leonard's, founded by Eliza-
beth, the heiress of Gordon, who,
dying A. D. m.cccc.xxxviii., was
buried here.

Saint Michael's, founded by Alex-
ander Galloway, rector of Kinkell.

Saint James's, founded by Thomas
Earl of Mar, as it seems, who
founded a chaplainry in honour
of this saint.

Holy Cross.
Saint Devinic's.
Some mention those of

Saint Peter.

Saint Denys.

Saint Andrew.

Saint Paul.

Saint Dominic, supported out of
Balgowny and Cairntield.
As to that of the chapter, the high

altar, and that beneath the high

altar, (all three named in the

Chartulary,) whether they were
different fi-om all those already

named, I know not.

THE EPISCOPAL PALACE OF ABERDEEN.

ihe Episcopal Palace of Aberdeen, stood at the east end of the
choir of the Cathedral, and was a large and fair court, having a high
towr at each of its four corners ; an outer and inner gate ; with a

152

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

deep well in the middle of the court ; and an iron gate by which
the Bishop passed from his Palace into the choir ; also a water-
gate, leading to Don, and the bow-butts.

This court had a back close, where were the office houses, dove-
cote, etc.

The orchard sto®d between the Bishop's court and that of the
chaplains. It remains to this day, and is very large, and had on
the west wall a summer-house, three story high, whence one had a
prospect of the whole tovm.

THE CITY OF OLD ABERDEEN.

Old Aberdeen was of old called Aberdon, which is indeed its
proper name, (and so it is usually called in the old charters of the
Bishops in the Chartulary of Aberdeen,) that word signifying, (in
British,) that its situation is at tlie mouth of Don.
Erection. It was erected into a City, (or Bishop's See,) by the charter of

Saint David, as is declared by that gi'anted by King James IV., in
the Chartulary of Aberdeen.
Arms. The arms are a pot of lillies, (which by their whiteness are an

emblem of chastity,) and the town being under the patronage of the

Virgin Mary

Division. The city may be divided into three parts : The Chanonry, at the

north end ; The Town, in the middle : and The University, at the
south end; besides two suburbs, one at the north end, called The
Seaton, and another at the south end, called The Spittal.
Description. The City consists of one long street which, at The Cross, divides
like a fork into two ; which two are joined again by a fourth, that
runs parallel with the Cathedral, Bishop's Palace, and chaplain's
court.

The Chanonry, (which had formerly four ports, but now only
two,) comprehends the Cathedral ; the Bishop's Palace, now razed ;
Bishop Dunbar's hospital ; the houses of the canons ; and the
court of the chaplains.

THE CITY OF OLD ABERDEEN. 153

The Town, which descends from the Chanonry to the University,
comprehends The Cross, tolbooth, and several houses which before
the Reformation seem to have belonged chiefly to mechanicks who
served the chanonry and university.

The University, (commonly called The College Bounds,) com-
prehends the King's College, and the manses of the professors of

medicine, canon law, civil law, ; and Powys, with

some little houses interspersed.

Dr. Arthur Johnston has written this epigram upon the city :

ABREDONIA VETUS.

Te pins Antistes colit, urbs antiqua, regitque,

Donaque feliceui reddit et unda freti.
-Amnis aquas uno pons adinirabilis arcu

Integit, autores suspicor esse Deos.
Talis erat Rliodii moles operosa colossi,

Turgida quam subter vela tulere rates.
Hunc prope salmonum soboles argentea nassas

Sponte subit, laqueis induiturque tuis.
Est quoque quod jactes vetus et venerabile templum,

Caetera praedonum diripuere nianus.
Turribus hoc surgens geminis Pharos esse putatur,

Puppibus et tutura per vada monstrat iter.

And, speaking of the College :

Non procul hinc Phoebi surgunt et Palladis arces,

Aurea crux illas et diadema tegit.
Has plus erexit Praesul, Rex divite censu

Donavit, titulos prodiga Roma dedit.
Non tot equus pedites fudit Trojanus Achivos,

Lumina quot patriae protulit ista domus.
Nobilis urbs, extra praeconem quaerere noli,

Hunc populum qui te praedicet, intus habes. '

The Erection of Saint Peter's Hospital, in the Spittal, by Bishop

Matthew Kinninmount.
Uniuersis sancte raatris ecclesie filiis Matbeus Dei gracia Aberdonensis

• [Artvri lonstoni Poemata Omnia, pp. 440, 441.]

154 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

ecclesie minister humilis • salutem in Christo ■ Sciant tam presentes quam
futuri . nos diuina inspirante gracia pro anima Regis Willelmi et pro anima-
bus antecessorum et suecessorum suorum et pro anima nostra et pro aniraabus
antecessorum et suecessorum nostrorum ■ Hospitale infirmorum fratrum sta-
tuisse in honorem Beati Petri Apostolorum principis in territorio de Aber-
den . et eidem Hospitali et infirmis ibidem commorantibus terram que
dicitur Ardschelly • et Petenderleyn . Carnabard . et Ardonachyn • per
rectas diuisas suas . excepta terra ilia quam Caperoni homini nostro dedi-
mus et ei per diuisas assignauimus • dedisse concessisse et hac carta mea
confirmasse in liberam et perpetuara eleemosynam . cum terra ilia que est
circa ipsum Hospitale • et cum omnibus decimis dominii nostri de Aber-
deyn preter illas decimas quas clericis ecclesie Sancte Marie seruientibus
in perpetuum assignauimus • Concedimus eciam eisdem infirmis decimam
cani nostri et placitorum nostrorum atque lucrorum • et decimam firme
nostre tam in farina quam brasio et prebenda ■ decimam quoque frumenti
nostri • salis • et ferri • carnium quoque et piscium omniumque cibario-
rum que in domo nostra expcnduntur • Quare volumus vt prefatum Hos-
pitale et infirmi ibidem manentes terras et omnes decimas prenominatas et
omnes possessiones suas ita libera et quiete teneant et possideant sicuti
aliqua domus fratrum infirmorum in regno Scocie constituta liberius et
quiecius tenet et possidet • Testibus Siraone archidiacono nostro • Ro-
berto decano • Magistro Matheo • Willelmo . Galtero • Bricio capella-
nis nostris • Willelmo persona • Matheo senescallo nostro . Thoma
nepote nostro • Joanne filio Archid • Mauricio persona de Tarves • Gil-
lochero comite de Mar • Fergo comite de Buchan . Malcolmo • Jacobo filiis
Morgundi • Normanno constapulario de Ennroury . Baldueno clerico •
Roberto de Raij . Willelmo de Tatenbill . Willelmo de Slanes milite •
Dunocano Makfety • Willelmo filio Ilugonis • Gilberto filio Roselini .

Bishop Cheyne, (l»y liis charter, dated at Aberdeen, on Candlemas,
A.D. M.ccc.vii.,) gave John de Murthlack, then Master of this
Hospital, one of his own three nets on Don, namely that of Bal-
gowny, in lieu of the mill of TuUenessel, valued at ten merks, etc.
The same bishop, afterward considering that Bishop Matthew had
injured his successors by making so lavish a gift to the Hospital ;
and, likewise, that he had done it without asking the consent of the

THE BISHOP'S HOSPITAL. 156

chapter, founds, instead of the said endowment, two chaplains to do
service daily in the Cathedral, and on Sundays, by turns, in Saint
Peter's. To each of these he grants a manse and garden near his
own, as one goes to the bridge of Don. He complains in this
charter, that till now several of the Masters of the Hospital, being
such only in name, had applyed the profits thereof to their own use,
without any regard to the poor, though they possessed, as he ob-
serves, the mill of Clatt, value ten merks ; the toft and croft of
Rayne, value a half merk ; the second teinds of the whole fish of
Aberdeen, and of the salmond of Cruves ; " una cum villa ecclesie
infra quam dictum Hospitale situatur." All these, (except the said
" villa ecclesie,") he now revokes and reunites to the Bishop's
table ; and allows the Hospital only that " villa ecclesie" above
named, (the town of Spittal, as it seems,) with all its antient tithes
and pertinents, with ten merks out of the vicary of Aberdeen.
This charter is signed with the Bishop's and chapter's hand.

THE bishop's hospital IN THE CHANONRY, HARD BY THE CATHEDRAL.

Ijishop Dunbar's charter for its erection, (dated at Edinburgh, the
twenty-third day of February, A.D. m.d.xxxii. and confirmed by
that of King James V. there, the very next day,*) ordains it to be
built in honour of the Virgin Mary, and for twelve poor men ; the
house to be a hundred foot long, thirty-two foot broad, having six
cells on either side of it, with an oratory in the east, and an eating
house in the west end, and a wooden steeple with a bell, (above
which was to be a room for holding of their victuals, fewel, etc.) ;
the director of the Hospital to be the chaplain of the south isle of
the Cathedral, (which the same Bishop had erected,) the poor to be
chosen out of such as had no wives, and lived in the Bishop's lands,
or had been employed in building about the Cathedral, or had fought
in the King's wars, or in defence of the church of Aberdeen's rights,

■ Registrum Chartarum.

156 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

or at least of miserable persons who claimed pity, (none of them
except in extraordinary cases to be under sixty years.) They
were to pray four times every day in their oratory, once in the
Cathedral, and once at midnight. The rent assigned them was a
hundred pounds out of the lands and fishings about Aberdeen,
formerly belonging to the King, then to the Lord Erskin, and at
last purchased by the Bishop. They were to be clade in a white
gOAvn, to join in pi'ocessions. They were to pray for the Kings
of Scotland, for the Bishop and his relations, and for all the faith-
ful. Of the hundred pounds, each was to have ten merks yearly,
to be paid by quarters for his food and raiment. Ten merks were
allowed for fuel to all the twelve. Each was to have one merk for
buying a gown : forty shillings were to be set apart for reparations
yearly ; and five merks, for the director.

Above the door of this Hospital, on one side, are the name and
arms of King James V., and on the other those of the founder;
with this inscription : dvodecim pavperibys domvm hanc reve-

RENDVS PATER GAVINVS DVNBAR HVIVS ALME SEDIS QVONDAM
PONTIFEX EDIFICARI IVSSIT ANNO A CHRISTO NATO • MDXXXII •
eEQ AOSA . PER EXECVTORES •

THE TRADES HOSPITAL.

THE CHAPLAINS CLOSS, OR COURT.

This was built by the executors of Bishop Dunbar, (Mr. Alexander
Galloway, parson of Kinkell, and Mr. Alexander Spittal, parson
of Clatt*) ; and had a towr on each corner, one on the east for the
bishop's chaplain ; one on the west for Bishop Dunbar's own chap-

• Registrum Chavtaruin.

THE COLLEGE OF CANONS. 157

lain ; one on the north, for the parson of Kinkell's chaplain ; and
one on the south, for the dean's chaplain. Besides these four towrs,
there wei"e chambers of wood built around the court, having be-
neath them a hall, pantry, etc., and a great draw-well in the midst.
This foundation is confirmed by William, Bishop of Aberdeen, (the
eighteenth of June, A.D. m.d.xlvii., at the chanonry) ; who sub-
scribes, together with several of the chanons, and twenty chaplains,
who here oblidge themselves, (besides a daily mass to be said at
eight in the morning, at Saint Catberin's altar, for the founder,) to
keep the said court or colledge in repair ; not to allow light women
or boys to be seen within it ; to have the gates always shut by
nine at night, and never open before five in the morning, etc.

THE COLLEGE OF CHANONS.

The College of Chanons here, (whereof the Bishop himself was
head,) supposed to have been twelve in number, was erected by
Bishop Edward about the year m.c.lv., and confirmed by Pope
Adrian IV., A. D. m.c.lvii. But the records of the first institution
being lost, it was instituted anew by Bishop Ramsay, A.D. m.cc.lvi. ;
who appointed it to consist of these twelve chanons, (besides the
Bishop himself, who, as a chanon, had the prebend of Saint Nicolas
of Aberdeen assigned him, valued at forty pounds,) to each of whom
he alloted mansion houses within the cloyster of the chanonry, and
also, (with the allowance of Pope Innocent II.,*) jurisdiction within
the said chanonry. The same Bishop Ramsay did farther ascertain
to them their several salaries thus :

Libs, Libs. Libs.

Dean, 80 Archdeacon, 60 Invercruden, 40

Chanter, 40 Balhelvy, 40 Banchory-Devinic,...30

Chanceller, 40 Oyne, 40 Clatt, 20

Treasurer, 40 Murthlack, 40 Deer, 8

By the five dignitaries of dean, chanter, chancellor, treasurer,

* See his Bull, in the Chartulary of Aberdeen.
X

158 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

and archdeacon, are to be understood the five parsons of Kirkton,
(or Old Aberdeen,) Auchterless, Brass, Daviot, and Rayn.

To the above named twelve, were afterward added these other
chanons or prebendaries, at different times, and by different bishops,
as follows :

Salaries. A.D.

Crimond, 20 lib .1262, added by Bishop Pottock.

Longmay, 20 lib 1314, added by Bishop Cbeyne.

Aberdour, 40 lib 1318, added by Bishop Cheyne.

Forbes, 20 merks 1325, added by Bishop Cheyne.

Ellon, 10 lib 1328, added by Bishop Cheyne.

Kincardin, 100 lib 1330, added by Bishop Alexander

Kinninraond I.
Invernochty, 20 1356, added by Bishop Alexander

Kinninmond II.
Philorth, 40 1361, added by Bishop Alexander

Kinninmond II.
Methlick, 40 merks 1362, added by Bishop Alexander

Kinninmond II.
TuUinessil, 20 lib 1366, added by Bishop Alexander

Kinninmond II.
Dulmaok, 10 lib 1368, added by Bishop Alexander

Kinninmond, II.

Turriff, 80 lib* [1412, added by Bishop Greenlaw.]

Kinkell, with its chapels, 120 lib 1420, added by Bishop Leighton.

Coldstain, lOmerks 1424, added by Bishop Leighton.

Rathven, 80 lib 1445, added by Bishop Lindsay.

Monimusk,t 40 lib 1445, added by Bishop Lindsay.

T-he Chaplainries granted to the chaplains, or vicars choral, of
this Cathedral at different times, and by different persons, were
those of Saint Peter's Hospital ; Logie Buchan ; Logie Mar ; Kil-
drummie ; Folia Rule, founded for the soul of Adam Pringle ;
Foveran, founded by the Abbot of Deer ; Kingedward, founded by

• When Turrifl' was added, I have not learned ; but I find it placed before Kinkell.
t This last with the Archbishop of Saint Andrew's consent.

CHAPLAINRIES IN THE CATHEDRAL. 159

the Abbot of Deer ; Alva, founded by the Abbot of Cowper ; Auch-
tydonald, founded by the Lord Marischal ; Ellon, founded by the
Abbot of Kinloss; Aberdeen, founded by Alexander, Bishop of
Aberdeen. The rents of some of these chaplainries were four, of
some six, and of others eight pounds ; in all, a hundred and twelve
pounds, thirteen shillings and fourpence.

Chaplainries, (extra distributioncm facultatis,) such, as it seemS'
had no share of ther salary from the chanons, were these of West-
hall, founded by Ingram Lindsay, Bishop of Aberdeen ; Galchol
in Banfshire, founded by King David II., who, for his own soul,
and those of the Kings of Scotland, his predecessors, mortified this
park and its pertinents, A. D. m.ccc.lxi. ; Morphy, founded by i
Master Duncan Lawsune ; that at Saint Cathariu's altar, founded
by Mr. John Clatt, chanon of Aberdeen ; the two at the Virgin
Mary's altar here, founded by Robert Keith, Lord Marischal, out

of the lands of Kintore and Skene ; that founded by

Mr. Duncan Schearer, parson of Clatt ; that founded by

Thomas Spence, Bishop of Aberdeen, (those two last were after-
ward bestowed on the students of the canon law in the King's
College) ; that at Saint Nicholas' altar at Aberdeen, founded by
Alexander Cullen, rector of Oyne ; that at Saint Devinic's altar,
founded by Mr. Alexander Cabell.

Nota bene. A.D. m.d.ii., King James IV. mortifies certain rents
out of Finlater, Inchdruii", and Culbirny, (in all seven pounds four
shillings,) for the chanons to pray yearly for his and Bishop Elphin-
ston's soul.

BISHOPS OF ABERDEEN.

Saint Nectan, Bishop of Murthlack, being translated hither' a. D. iiyo.
by Saint David, sate here seventeen years, and dyed A.D. m.c.lii."

' [In the year 1125, according to the " Breuis templi Aberdonensis Pontificum Ca-
thalogus," at the end of the " Epistolare."]

- [" De S. Nectano verba sufficient Hectoris Boethii, Hb. xi. Historiae Scot., pag.
ccxLv. ' Quo tempore, eodem Davide pio Rege authore, Aberdonensis sedes facta, et amplio-

160 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

A. D. 115-2. Saint Edward, a man of the strictest purity of life, and in high
esteem with King Malcolm IV. He founded the college of chanons
here, which the Pope readily confirmed.* Having sat here eleven
years, he dyed A.D. m.c.lxiii.' Camerarius makes his feast to
be on the eighteenth of April. ^

A.D. 1163. Matthew Kinninmond, archdeacon of Saint Andrew's. He
was a person of great sanctity and learning, and much re-
verenced by King Malcolm IV. He dyed August the twentieth,
A. D. m.c.xctx.^

The day and year of the death of these bishops, from Matthew
Kinninmond, inclusively, is taken from the catalogue of the bishops
at the end of the " Epistolare," written under Bishop Dunbar,
and no doubt by his order. I have preferred it to Boetius's chro-
nology, which difl'ers somewhat from it, supposing that Bishop
Dunbar has taken care to have it corrected.

J OHN prior of Kelso, a pattern of virtue, and great

disinterestedness, spending all he had, either on the church or on
the poor. He dyed October the thirteenth, A. D. M.cc.Aai.

ribus donata reditibus, longre ornatior celebriorque cunctis est habita. Murthlaci sacrum
tnagistratum omnium primus gessit Beanus, vir pietatc et eruditione insigni, inter divos sed
aliquot post annos relatus. In ejus locum sufTcctus Donortius ; huic Cormacus successor,
non absque sanctitatis opinione beatum finem uterque sortitus. Nectanus inde tenuit ponti-
ficatum, quern David Primus Rex, jure inter divos numeratus, Murthlacensi sede Aber-
doniam translata, ut patrem semper veneratus, Aberdonensem antistitem voluit appellari.'
Mentio ejus apud Turgotum Dunelmensem in Vita S. Davidis, et ab Aberdonensibus ut
sanctus colitur, licet sileant martyrologia. Scripsisse ferebatur ' Vitam S. Davidis Regis
lib. I. ; Vitam S. Margaretae Reginae, lib. i.' Floruit anno mcxi." T. Dempster! Historia
Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., p. 501.]

• See his Bull, above [pp. 145, 146.]

' [In the year 1171, according to Fordun, (Scotichronicon, vol. i., p. 462,) and the cata-
logue in the Epistolare.]

^ [See D. Camerarii De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. 133 ; G. Conaei De Dvplici Statv
Religionis apvd Scotos, p. 61.]

3 [See T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., p. 489.]

CATALOGUE OF THE BISHOPS. 161

Adam Kaid,* chaplain to King William, (the " Epistolare" calls
him chancellor to King William,' which is likelier,) was promoted
rather by that Prince's authority than by the free election of the
chapter. Accordingly, even after his promotion, he continued to
attend the court as formerly, and to manage aifairs of state. But
after King William's death, A. D. m.cc.xiv., being invited home
by his clergy, he recollected himself, and endeavoured by his pre-
sence to restore discipline, and repair what loss the church had
suffered by his absence. He dyed, A. D. M.cc.xxviii.

Gilbert Sterling. He dyed, A. D. m.cc.xxxix.

Saint Ralph Lambley,! Abbot of Aberbrothock. He died.
A- D. M.cc.XLVii., and expired pronouncing these words, " I was
glad when they said unto me, Let us go up unto the house of the
Lord." :j: Camerarius makes his feast to be on the fifth of January.-

Peter Ramsay, doctor in divinity,^ a monk of Aberbrothock.
He dyed, A. D. m.cc.lvii.^

Richard Pottock, an Englishman. He dyed April the twenty-
sixth, A. D. M.CC.LXXII.

MuGH Benham. After his election he went to Rome, where he
stayed a year, and was consecrated by order of Pope Martin IV.
Having returned to Scotland, he was made arbitrator of a high dis-

* Chronicon de Melross, ap. Dr. M'Kenzie's Lives of Scots Writers, vol. i. [, p. 412.
Edinb. 1708. fol.]

' [" Magister Adam cancellarius Guillermi Scotoruin Principis."]

t We have this surname from the " Epistolare."

t Camerarius [De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. 73.]

2 [See T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., p. 572.]

§ Called in the Epistolare magister, by which is understood magister in theologia.

•■' [See T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., p. 560.* ; G.
(Jonaei De Dvplici Statv Religionis apvd Scotos, p. 63.]

162 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

pute that prevailed at that time about tithes, between the clergy
and laity of the kingdom ; the clergy appealing to the canon law,
and the laity, to their local customs : Whereupon, in a provincial
council held at Perth, in the presence of the King and the nobility,
he was so happy as to compose that difterence ; and here it was he
confirmed several provincial statutes of fomier Bishops, and made
some good new ones of his own. He dyed in Loch Goul, A. D.
M.cc.LXXXii. of a sudden suffocation, or catarrh, so says Boetius ;
yet the Epistolare seems to say he was slain in an ambuscade, in
lacu Goide insidiis occubuit.^

A. D. 1282. Henry Cheyne, (third son to Francis lord Cheyne of Inverugy,
by Isabel, daughter to John Cummin, Earl of Buchan,*) privy
councellor to King Alexander III.

He pulled down the old Cathedral here and began to build a new
one, till he was interrupted in that work by the long war of Ed-
ward I. waged against Scotland. A. D. m.cc.lxxxix., he, (with the
other Scotish Bishops, and temporal nobility,) addresses Edward
I. of England,! for carrying on the designed marriage between his
son Prince Edward, and Queen Margaret of Scotland. A. D.
M.cc.xcii., in the plea between Bruce and Balliol for the crown,
he is one of the arbitrators named by Balliol ; \ and the same year
he, with many others, swears to Edward I. of England, as Superiour
Lord of Scotland. ^ A. D. M.cc.xcvi., he again swears to the
same King Edward, as now claiming to be proprietor of Scotland,
by the resignation of John Balliol ; || and yet, about A.D. M.ccc.viii.,
he, (with the other Bishops of Scotland,) signs a declaration in favour

' [See T. Dempsteri Hist. Ecclesiast. Gentis Scotorum, t. i., p. 105.]
* A little MS. Genealogy of the Cheynes, (in two quartos,) in the hands of Leslie
of Iden.

t At Brigham, April the second. Foedera Angliae, vol. ii., p. 471.

% Ibid., p. 553.

§ Ibid., p. 572, in Berwick Castle, August the third.

II Ibid., p. 722, at Berwick, August the twenty-eighth.

CATALOGUE OF THE BISHOPS. 16S

of Robert I., declaring all the oaths formerly mentioned to have
been unjust and extorted.* Yet after this he was banished by
King Robert I. into England, (but seems to have been restored
again, A. D. M.ccc.xiv., because, in the Registnim Chartarum, we
find him acting here, M.ccc.xiv.-xviii.-xxv.-xxviii.,) for having
favoured his uncle, the Earl of Buchan, and the other Cummings in
the opposition which they made to the settlement of that Prince.
During his absence, the King seeing the new Cathedral he had
begun, made the church to be built with the revenues of the
bishoprick. He dyed, A. D. M.ccc.xxviii.f

Alexander Kinninmond I., doctor in divinity. He dyed,
August the fourteenth, A. D. m.ccc.xl.

William Dean. He dyed, August the twentieth, A. D.

M.CCC.L.

J OHN Rait, professor of divinity.:): He dyed, m. ccc.lv.

Alexander Kinninmond II., doctor of divinity. He dyed,
July the twenty-ninth, A. D. M.ccc.LXXX.

Adam Cunningham. He dyed, September the eighteenth.

A. D. M.CCC.LXXXIX.

Gilbert Greenlaw. He dyed, A. D. m.cccc.xxii. His anni-
versary was celebrated at Aberdeen, September the twentieth.^

Henry Leighton, Bishop of Murray. He dyed, . .

Anderson's Essay on the Independency of Scotland, Appendix, No. xiv
t Boetius says 1329. Perhaps it was 132f .
X Called in the Epistolare, sacrarum Uterarum. professor.
§ Registrum Chartarum.

. . . A. D.

164 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

M.cccc.XL. ; and his anniversary was celebrated at Aberdeen,
December the fourteenth.*

Ingram Lindsey. He dyed, .... A. D. m.cccc.liv. ; and his
anniversary was celebrated at Aberdeen, November the seven-
teenth.!

Thomas Spence, Bishop of Galloway. [He dyed, A. D.

M.CCCC.LXXX.]

Robert Blacader. He was translated to the see of Glasgow,
where he became the first Archbishop.

Wtlliam Elphinston. He dyed, October the twenty-fifth,^
A. D. M.D.xiv., at Edinburgh, aged eighty-four. His anniversary
was celeVtrated at Aberdeen, October the twenty-fifth.^

Alexander Gordon, a younger son of the house of Haddo.
He dyed June the thirtieth. A. D. m.d.xyiii.

* Registrura Chartaruni. [See T. Denipsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum,
t. ii., p. 441.]

t Registrum Chartarum. [See T. Dempsteri Hist. Eccl. Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., p. 39.3.]

t June the twelftli, (but that must be a mistake,) according to Camerarius, [De Scotorvm
Fortitvdine, pp. 137, 138.]

§ Registrum Chartarum in Calend. Annivers. fund, in Eccl. Cath. Aberdonensi. [See
D. Camerarii De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, pp. 137, 138 ; T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica
Gentis Scotorum, t. i., pp. 268, 269 : " Vir hie tarn praeclarus ad Aberdonensis ecclesiae
regimen assumptus, in cujus gratiam de omnibus ipsius decessoribus H. Boethius eruditum
volumen edidit sub titulo ' De Pontificibus Aberdonensibus.' Eum Balaeus alioquin genti
nostrae juratus hostis, doctissimum vocat, nee immerito ; nam postea totius regni cancel-
larius factus, academiam Aberdonensem sumptu proprio fundavit, undique Hteratis accitis
professoribus, pontibus etiam lapideis pulcherrimi operis Donam Deamque amnes, quibus
urbs cingitur, instravit, ipsum episcopium et eanonicorum collegium amphoribus structuris
mirifice decoravit. Praeter nostrates Jacobus Medendorpius J. C, lib. ii. in fine de Aca-
demiis ; quod opus futile est, et figmentis Annianis refertum. Scripsit Elphinstonus
' Scotorum Chronicon., lib. i. ; Conciliorum Statuta, lib. i.' ; et alia infinita, quae, proh
dolor! haereticorum furor nuper cum aliis regni monumentis scelestissime abolevit."]

CATALOGUE OF THE BISHOPS. 165

Gavin Dunbar,' son to Sir Alexander Dunbar of Westfield,
first hereditary sheriff of Murray, by [Elizabeth] Sutherland, daugh-
ter to [Alexander Sutherland of] Duffus. He dyed, March the
tenth, A. D. m.d.xxxi. ; and his anniversary was that day kept
at Aberdeen, and also, June the ninth, by the vicars choral here,
for his founding their court. They said also for him a daily mass.*

W^iLLiAM Stewart, son to Sir Thomas Stewart of Minto, in
Renfrew, by Isabel, daughter to Sir Walter Stewart of Arthurly,
was at first rector of Lochmabin, then provost of the collegiate
church of Lincludan, f and at last consecrated Bishop. He dyed
here, Aprile A. D. m.d.lxv.

W^iLLiAM Gordon, son to Alexander Earl of Huntley, by Jane
Stewart, daughter to John Earl of Athol, was bred first at Aber-

1 [" Gavinus Dumbarrus, magna comitum Merchiae stirpe oriundus, ex archidiacono
Sanctandreano factus senator, ex senatore episcopus Aberdonensis, vir vitae admirabilis ;
nam plura pietatis officia solus reliquit, quam omnes episcopi decessores. Xenodochium
XII. pauperibus perpctuum alendis, censu assignato, erexit ; Deam fluvium, qui novam
urbem alluit, ponte lapideo magnificentissimo, decern arcuum, stravit ; novam aedem incho-
atam absolvit S. Machorio sacram, duas pyramides editissimas adjecit ; palatium episcopale
in earn elegantiam a fundamentis excitavit, ut par in Europa vix haberet; Dalmaticos ca-
lices, ex argento auroque purissimo conquisitos, incredibili labore et sumptu a transmarinis
advexit, consecravitque ; denique cum aliunde haberet, quo se familiaraque sustentaret, ne
assem quidem Caianum ex toto illo opulento episcopii proventu in rem suam convertit, sed
quicquid his ofBciis superfuit, in pauperes est elargitus. Earn • virum pium, apostolico spi-
ritu afflatum, et vu-um divinum,' vocat Joan. Leslaeus, lib. ix., pag. cccxc. Ante aliquot
annos, cum monumenta reiicerentur ecclesiae episcopalis suae, corpus ipsius cum vesti-
raentis intactum, vividum, succi et sanguinis plenum, haeretici, non sine ingenti stupore,
repererunt, ut viri nobiles et clarissimi Andreas Leslaeus et Robertus Boydius, alumni Col-
legii Scotorum Romani, et doctissimi cives raei, admonuerunt ; et miraculose ab eo sanitate
donatum infirmum, allata ad eum parte vestis, ad me scribit Patricius Andersonus, Socie-
tatis Jesu theologus, philosophus, mathematicus, unus instar omnium. Ut semel dicam,
fuit sanctus hie antistes dignissimus, qui in Lutheri tempora incurreret, ut pia vita impiam
sectam confunderet. Scripsit ' Contra Haereticos Germanos, lib. i. ; De Ecclesia Aber-
donensi, lib. i.' Creatus episcopus anno mdxiix. mense Junio ; quando obierit, non re-
peri." T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., pp. 215, 216. See also
G. Conaei De Dvplici Statv Religionis apvd Scotos, p. 82.]

* Registrum Chartarum. t Crawfurd's Description of Renfrew.

166 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

deen, then at Paris ; and, returning home, became first parson of
Clatt, then chancellor of Murray ; consecrated He dyed

A. D. M.D.LXXVII. '

After the Reformation, I find these three named Bishops here ; but
that they were consecrated, I have not yet learned. -

A. D. 1578. David Cunningham, sub-dean of Glasgow, and dean of faculty there,
A. D. M.D.LXXVi. and afterward parson of Saint Nicholas, is named
bishop here. He was sent embassador to Denmark and several
German princes, and discharged that trust with approbation. He
dyed about A. D. m.dc.iii.

Peter Blackburn, preacher in New Aberdeen about A. D.
M.D.LXXXVi. He dyed about the beginning of July m.dc.xv, ^ and
was buried in Saint Nicholas church.

A. D. i(ji.5. Alexander Forbes, (son to John Forbes of Ardmurdo in Kinkell,

descended of Brux in Kildrummy, by daughter to

Graham of Morphie, in Saint Syra's parish, in ]\Iernis,) formerly
nominal bishop of Cathness, was translated hither. He dyed at
Leith, December the fourteenth, m.dc.xvii. This bishop was grand-
son to William Forbes of Ardmurdo, (by Margaret, daughter to Sir
John Luudy of That Ilk,) third son to William Forbes of Kil-
drummy, (by Catherine, daughter to Seton of Meldrum,) eldest son
to Duncan Forbes of Drumallachie, (by Elisabeth, daughter to

' [On the sixth of August. The Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. ii., p. 46.]

2 [Both Blackburn and Forbes, (the latter then bishop of Caithness,) were consecrated in
the cathedral church of Brechin by George, Archbishop of St. Andrews, Alexander,
Bishop of Dunkeld, and Andrew, Bishop of Brechin, in the year 1611. See Wodrow's
Biographical Collections, vol. i., p. 302. Glasg., 1834. 4to. Printed for the Maitland
Club. The form used in the installation of Cunningham, (on the eleventh of November,
1577,) may be seen in The Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. ii. pp. 46, 47.]

3 [On the fourteenth of June, 1616. Aberdeen Kirk-Session Register.]

CATALOGUE OF THE BISHOPS. 167

Creichton of Condlan), second son to Alexander Forbes, first laird
of Brux.*

Patrick Forbes of Corse, son to William Forbes of Corse, by a. d. lois.
Elisabeth, daughter to [Alexander] Strachan of Thorntoun, was
taught grammar at Sterling, by Mr. Thomas Buchannan ; philoso-
phie at Glasgow, by Mr. Andrew Melvel ; and divinity, in the new
college of Saint Andrews, by the same professor ; and after having
been preacher at Keith six years, was consecratedf for this see at
Saint Andrews, by John Archbishop of Saint Andrews, Alexander
Bishop of Dunkeld, and Andrew Bishop of Brechin. The first thing
he did after his promotion, was to examine the state of the university,
considering it as the nursery of the clergy, and that the regulation
of it belonged to him as its chancellor. But he soon found it had
undergone great mismanagements, and was sinking both in its re-
venues and credit. First, then, he made it be solemnly visited,
and then restored it to Bishop Elphinston's foundation, and thereby
revived four professions, (canon and civil law, medicine and music,)
which, near thirty years before, had been disused, that is, from
M.D.xcn. that Bishop Elphinston's foundation had been laid aside,
till M.DC.xix., the year of this visitation. He dyed here on Easter
Eve, A. D. M.DC.xxxv., aged seventy-one, and was buried in the
south isle here.

Adam Ballanden, Bishop of Dumblain,' a. D. i6;3.5.

David MrrcHELL, son to Mitchel, a farmer in Garvock parish, in a.d. 1662.
Mernis, was put in orders, it seems, by Archbishop Spotswood,
vdth whom he was afterward very familiar. He published that

* Lumsden's MS. History of the Forbeses [, pp. 42-45, edit. Inverness, 1819.]
t He was elected March the twenty-fourth.

• [See Wharton's History of the Troubles and Tryal of Archbishop Laud, p. 89.
Lond. 1695. fol.]

168 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Archbishop's Church History, and, (some reckoned,) had a hand in
composing it. From a parish church in Mernis, quhare he was a
presbyter, he was called to be dean of Edinburgh, but being thrust
out by the covenanters, about A. D. m.dc.xxxviii., he retired into
Holland, where, being a good mechanic, he gained his bread by
making clocks and watches. Upon the Restoration, he was made
a prebend of Westminster, and thence promoted to this See. He
was a little man, of a brisk lively temper, well learned, and a good
preacher. He lived a single life, and his manners were with-
out reproach. He dyed of a short fever, at Old Aberdeen,
[in February], A. D. m.dc.lxiii., and was buried here in the
south isle.

A. D. 1663. Alexander Burnet. Being employed during Cromwel's usur-
pation in carrying letters to and from the King, there was a price
set upon his head, and he was once apprehended at London, but
escaped by the favour of the oflScer. He was translated to the
Archbishoprick of Glasgow [in January, A. D. m.dc.lxiv.]

A. D. 1664. Patrick Scougal, (son to John Scougal of That Ilk, in East Lo-
thian,) parson of Saltoun, (in Edinburgh diocese,) was consecrated
on Easter-day, A. D. m.dc.lxiv. As to his person, he was big-
eyed, gray-haired, tall and stooping, and of a very fearful aspect.
He dyed at his house in the chanonry here, of an asthma, February
the sixteenth, A. D. m.dc.lxxxii., aged seventy-five.

George Halyburton, Bishop of Brechin. He dyed at his house
at Denhead, (in the parish of Cowper of Angus,) September the
twenty-ninth, A. D. m.dcc.xv., aged seventy-seven.

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— PRIORY OF MONYMUSK. 169

RELIGIOUS HOUSES.

There is said to have been here, of old, a Monastery at Murthlak,
and another at Clova, in Kildrummy. Possibly they were of Cul-
dees, (as being the oldest we hear of in the diocese, for they are
mentioned in A. D. m.c.lvii.), and so suffred to dye away with
that order.

THE PRIORY OF MONIMUSK.

It lay on Don, in Monimusk parish, and was founded by King
Malcolm III., about A. D. m.lxxx. ; this barony being dedicated
by that Prince to Saint Andrew, (on his marching against the
rebells of Murray,) as an engagement to make him interceed for his
getting the victory.* It was farther endowed by Robert, Bishop
of Saint Andrews, (who sate from about A. D. m.c.xxiii. to about
A.D. M.c.LViii.) ; and was always accounted a cell belonging to the
Priory of Saint Andrews.

It had one oratory ; one dining room ; and one dorter.'
It consisted, at first, of Culdees ; but, in A. D. m.ccc, William
Lamberton, Bishop of Saint Andrews, changed them, as it seems,

• Boetius in Malcolmum Tertium, [f. '258 b. ; Buchanan! Rer. Scotic. Hist., lib.
xxvii., c. XX. ; Archbishop Spottiswoode's History of the Church of Scotland, p. 29.
Lond. 1677. fol. " The Murrayis gaderit to thair opinioun the inhabitantis of Ros, Caith-
nes, with sindry othir pcpill thairabout ; and nocht onlie slew the Kingis servandis and mi-
nisteris of justice, bot, be assistance of Macduncane, maid mair heirschippis and slauchter
than wes hard ony time afore. To punis thir cruel teis, wer send Makduf, with ane army,
in Mar. The inhabitantis thairof, astonist be his cumming, thocht na thing sa gud as to
stop his invasioun be thair money. In the mene time, happinnit King Malcolme to cum to
Monymusk, and gat advertising, that al the north partis of Scotland and The His wer
confiderat with thir Murrayis aganis him. The King, affrayit be thir tithingis, demandit
his thesaurar, gif ony landis wer in thay boundis pertenand to the croun. And fra he wes
advertist that the barony of Monymusk pertenit thairto, he vowit it to Sanct Andro, to send
him victory." Bellenden's Croniklis of Scot., b. xii., ch. xi., vol. ii., p. 283.]

' iDorter, dormitory.]

170 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

into Augustinian chanons, such as those of the Priory of Saint
Andrews were.

Brice,* Prior of the Culdees here, entred into a contract with
William Malvoisin, (who dyed A. D. m.ccc.xxxvii., having sate
forty-five years,) whereby it was agreed that ther were to be
twelve Culdees here under the Prior, whom the Bishop was to name
out of three Culdees presented to him by the other Culdees here ;
and that the Culdean oratory should have no churchyard, the
bodies of such as belonged to it being buried in the churchyard of
the parish church of Monimusk. Farther, they engaged to meet
the Bishop in a solemn procession when he should come to reside at
Monimusk. They also resigned to him Dulbechot and Foumothin,
lands gifted to them by Gilchrist Earl of Mar.

Prior John Elphinstone, chanon of Aberdeen, was presented here
A. D. M.D.XLii-iii., by the Earl of Arran, then govemour.f This
seems to have been that John Elphinstone, (son to Alexander Lord
Elphinstone and Cathai'in, daughter to John Lord Erskin,) who was
parson of Invernochty about that time. :|:

Robert, (fourth son to William Lord Forbes, by Elisabeth daugh-
ter to Sir William Keith of Inverugy,) born the first of January,
A. D. M.D.LV-vi., was Prior here, who becoming, as it seems, a pro-
testant, married Agnes, daughter to [William Forbes of] Corse, and
had several children, among whom three were military ofiicers. §

I find John Hay, Prior here, sent envoy by Queen Mary to Queen
Elizabeth, A. D. m.d.xlv.

To this Priory belonged the patronages and tithes of Alford,
Keig, Leochel, Crathie, and [Braejmar.

The Abbot had besides an oratory at Balvack.

At the Reformation, this Priory was seized by Duncan, son to

• See Dalrymple, pp 281, -282. [Collections concerning the Scottish History, preceed-
ing the death of King David the First, in the year 1153. By Sir James Dalrymple.
Edinb. 1705. 8vo.]

t Epistolae Regum Scotiae, vol. ii. % Crawford's Peerage.

§ Lumsden's Manuscript [, p. 24. edit. 1819.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— PRIORY OF MONYMUSK. 171

[William] Forbes of Corsinda, who, it seems, built the mannour of
Monimusk out of the stones of this Monastery, and founded the
family of Forbes of Monimusk, baronet.'

It was afterward annexed, A. D. m.dc.xvii., to the bishoprick of
Dunblain, when that Bishop was appointed perpetual dean of the
chappel Royal. It is with difficulty that the mines of this Priory
are to be traced.^

This Priory had three gardens, (perhaps an orchard, parterr, and
kitchen garden) ; a croft for sowing four bolls of bear ; pasture for
six horses and fifteen wethers ; the lands of Abersnithock, Ranie-
stone, Arneedly, and Balvack, in this parish.

About King James the Fourth's reign, I find one Strachan, Prior
here, who had a natural daughter married to William Forbes in
Abersnithock, grandson to Sir John Forbes, first laird of Tolquhon.*

The Priory church was dedicated to Saint John.

[Marchie terrarum episcopalium de Keg et Monymusk concessarum
ecclesie Sancti Andrea per Malcolmum Regem Scotorum / prout in
carta desuper confecta latins continetur • Extractum ex Registrn
Sancti Andree per Magistrum Walterum Bannantyn • '

Et assignauit dictus Rex dicte ecclesie dictas terras per marehias subscrip-
tas et in scripturam fecit redigi .

Prima marchia incipit ad aquam que vocatur Toen / sic dicta quod quedam
mulier nomine Toen in dicta aqua fuit submersa et extincta . Et sic vsque
ad aquam que vocatur Kolcy / et sic persequendo de Kolcy vsque ad

1 [See Douglas' Baronage of Scotland, pp. 39-41. Edir.b. 1798. fol.]
- [" About twenty yards north-east of the church, is to be discerned only the place of
the Priory, the very foundation of which was entirely dug up about the year 1726, notwith.
standing the remonstrances of the reverend Mr. John Burnet, the last episcopal pastor of
this parish, to the contrary. It has been a large building, and situated in a fruitful soil. It
was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. Jam seges ubi Trojn fuit." Description of the parish
of Monymusk in Ruddiman's Edinburgh Magazine for 1760, p. 367.]
* Lumsden's Manuscript Genealogy of Forbes [, p. 35. edit. 1819.]
3 [From a paper in the charter chest at Monymusk, in the handwTiting of the sixteenth
century, collated with an older but less perfect copy in the charter chest at Whitehaugh,]

172 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

flumen quod vocatur Don • Et sic tenens Don vsque ad rivulum versus
boream que vocatur Fowlesy / et sic persequendo de Fowlesy vsque Cori-
tobrich quod interpretatur / vallis fontis . Et de Coritobrith vsque Lawch-
tendaiF / quod Latine souat / locus vbi quis fuit interfectus / ad discrimen
quatuor viarum Reo-iarum • Et sic versus orientera vsque ad cacumen
montis qui vocatur Sclenemingorne quod interpretatur / mora caprarum •
Et sic versus orientera vsque ad Stantes Petras iuxta Albaclanenauch quod
Latine sonat / campus dulcis lactis / Et per viam vsque ad cacumen montis
qui est inter Kege et Garuiauch . Et sic diuidendo singulos montes in
duas partes vsque ad Benychie / videlicet / vnam ad proprietatem de
Garuiauche et aliam ad proprietatem de Monymusk • Item diuidendo
Benychie in vnam partem ad proprietatem de Monymusk et aliam ad
Garuiauche • Et de Benychie vsque ad Aide Clothi quod sonat Latine /
riuulus petrosus / Et de illo loco vsque ad Brecachath quod interpretatur/
campus distinctus coloribus / a dextris / Et de Brecacath vsque ad aquam
que vocatur Vrcewy . Et persequendo de Vrcewy vsque ad Cosalde ■ Et de
Cosalde ad cacumen silue que vocatur Trenechinen quod Latine sonat /
lig-num recte extensum • Et versus austrum vsque ad fontem vnum de quo
riuulus vnus manat qui vocatur Doeli quod sonat / carbo / Latine propter
eius nigredinem • Et sic persequendo de Doeli vsque ad flumen Don / Et
de Don versus austrum vsque primam marchiam que incepit ad aquam
que vocatur Toen •

Et sunt istae marchie quas reliquit Malcolmus Rex propter victoriam ei
concessam / Deo et ecclesie Beate Marie de Monymusk / dans benedic-
tionem Dei et Sancte Marie omnibus iura ipsius ecclesie seruantibus •

Carta Rogeri Comitis de Boucban de grano et caseo de Foedarg etc ■ '
(forte ante a. d. 1179.)

Rogerus Comes de Bouchan tam presentibus quam futuris salutem • No-
tum sit tam absentibus quam presentibus tam futuris quam modernis • me
dedisse concessisse et hac carta nostra . confirmasse • Keledeis de Muni-
musc quolibet anno • de Foedarg • xx . modios de grano ordeicio • et de-
cem cudros casei • et de Foleyt . viginti cudros casei et quatuor modios de
grano ordei • et multonem • in perpetuam elemosinam • sicut Gartenach

• [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus Sancti Andree in Scotia e Registro ipso in
archivis baronum de Panmure hodie asservato, p. 370. Edinb. 1841. 4to.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE PRIORY OF MONYMUSK. 173

auus meus illis predictam elemosinam dedit . et concessit atque pretaxata
asportari infra Festum Omnium Sanctorum ad Munimusc . Testibus •

Carta Johannis Aberdonensis eeclesie ministri canonicis de Munimusc de
ecclesiis de Loychel . Ruthauen • et Inuernocbin . ' f inter a..d. 1199.
et A.n. 1207.)
Omnibus sancte matris eeclesie filiis etc ■ Johannes Dei gracia Aberdon-
ensis eeclesie minister humilis • Salutem et scinceram in Domino carita-
tem . Nouerint tam preteriti quam presentes nos concessisse et hac carta •
nostra confirmasse • donacionem illam quam . G • Comes de Marr . donauit
Cenobio suo quod construxit apud Munimusc in ecclesia Sancte Marie in
qua Keledei antea fuerunt • scilicet • Ecclesiam de Loychel • cum terris et
pertinenciis suis • Ecclesiam de Ruthauen cum terris et pertinenciis suis .
Ecclesiam de Inuernocbin cum terris et pertinenciis suis • Quare volumus
[et] concedimus ut predictum Cenobium et Fratres ibidem Deo seruientes
prefatas ecclesias et omnes alias terras et donaciones suas quas idem
• G • eis dedit et contulit uel inposterum ipse uel alii collaturi sunt • ita
libere et quiete • plenarie • et honorifice • in liberam et perpetuam elemosi-
nam teneant et possideant sicut aliqua domus religionis in regno Scocie
aliquas ecclesias • liberius • et quiecius . et honorificencius / tenet et possi-
det sicut carta prefati • G • testatur et confirmat • saluis episcopalibus •
Volumus eciam et concedimus vt prefatum Cenobium et Fratres ibidem
commorantes nulli domo subiecti sint uel alicui faciunt subiectionem nisi
nobis • Et subiectionem talem nobis et successoribus nostris faciant sicut
cetere domus religionis per regnum Scocie in episcopatibus constitute
Episcopo suo debent facere • Teste etc ■

Litera domini Pape Innocencii.^ (inter a. d. 1198 et a. d. 1216.)

Innocencius Episcopus etc . Solet annuere sedes Apostolica piis votis et
honestis petencium precibus fauorem beneuolum inpertiri • Ea propter
dilecti in Domino filii vestris iustis postulacionibus grato concedentes as-
sensu • locum vestrum . et personas in eo Domino famulantes / cum omnibus
bonis tam ecclesiasticis quam mundanis que in presentiarum racionabiliter
possidet • aut in futuro iustis modis dante Domino poterit adipisci / sub

' [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, pp. S7i, 375.]
* [From the same, pp. 375, 376.]

174 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Beati Petri et nostra proteccione suscipimus specialiter autem imrauni-
tates • et libertates pristinas • ab exaccionibus deciraarum . et procuracio-
num • Episcoporum . et eorum officialium • ac omnes terras possessiones •
et alia bona a nobili viro • Gilcrist Comite de Marr . in elemosinam domui
vestre concessa • et ecclesias Sancti Andree de AiFord . Sancti Marnoci de
Loychel • et Sancte Marie de Nemoth • cum omnibus terris et pertinenciis
earumdem sicut ea omnia iuste ac pacifice possidetis . auctoritate nobis Ap-
postolica contirmamus et presentis scripti patrocinio comraunimus • Ad in-
dicium autem huius proteccionis ab Apostolica sede percepte duos solidos
sterlingorum nobis nostrisque successoribus annis singulis persoluetis ■ NuUi
ergo etc ■ Siquis autem etc ■ Datum ■ Viterbii • xii • Kalendas • Julii • etc ■

Contirmatlo Thome Hostiarii Regis de ordeo et caseo de Outhirheyclt • '

(ante a. d. 1233.)
Omnibus hoc scriptum etc ■ Thoma Hostiarius • domini Regis • salutem ■
Sciatis me concessisse . et mea presenti • carta . confirmasse elemosinam
quani anus raeus et mater mea dederunt Keledeis de Munimusc ■ scilicet
■ X ■ bollas ordei • et decern petras casei de Outhirheyclt • Et ita quod ille
qui tenebit terram predicte elemosine transmittet has predictas bollas ordei
et petras casei usque ad domum predictorum Keledeorum ad Festum
Sancti Martini . Teste • W • Abbate de Sancta Cruce -

Confirraatio conuencionis inter • W • Episcopum Sancti Andree et Keledeos
de Munimusc • '^ (a. d. 1211.)

A • de Melros • et V/ • de Dryburg Abbates • et Robertus Archidiaconus
Glasguensis • Omnibus has litteras uisuris uel audituris eternam in Domino
salutem •l.itteras domini Pape Innocencii tercii in hec uerba suscepimus •
Innocencius Episcopus • seruus seruorum Dei • dilectis filiis • de Melros •
et de Dryburg Abbatibus • Sancti Andree et Glasguensis diocesis • et •
Archidiacono Glasguensi • salutem . et Apostolicam benedicclonem • vener-
abilis fratris nostri . Sancti Andree Episcopi recepiraus queriraoniam quod
Keledei quidara qui se canonicos gerunt • et quidam alii Aberdonensis dyo-
cesis • infra villam de Munimusc pertinentem ad ipsum quandam canonicam

1 [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, p. 369.]

■- [From the same, pp. 370 — 372 ; collated with a copy in the larger Chartulary of
Aberdeen, if. iv., v., MS. Advocates' Library.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE PRIORY OF MONYMUSK. 175

regularera eodein renitente constituere contra iusticiam non formidant in
ecclesie sue preiudicium et grauanien • Quocirca discrecioni uestre per Ap-
postolica scripta mandamus quatinus partibus conuocatis et auditis hinc inde
propositis quod canonicum fuerit appellacione posposita statuatis facientes
quod statueritis per censuram ecclesiasticam firmiter obseruari . Testes au-
teni qui fuerint nominati si se gracia • odio • uel timore subtraxerint per
districcionem eandem appellacione remota cogatis ueritati testimonium per-
hibere Nullis Uteris veritati et iusticie preiudicantibus a sede Apostolica in-
pettratis • Quod si non omnes hiis exequendis potueritis interesse / duo
vestrum nichilorainus ea exequantur ■ Datum • Laterani • x° . Kalendas •
Aprilis / anno pontificatus nostri . xiii • Harum auctoritate partibus in
presencia nostra constitutis ■ Ita inter dominum • W • Episcopum Sancti
Andree et Keldeos de Munimuse de consensu archidiaconorum suorum et
capituli sui Sancti Andree amicabiliter conuenit • scilicet . quod dominus
Episcopus Sancti Andree concessit ut iidem Keledei decetero vnum ha-
beant refectoriura ■ et vnum dormitorium in communi • et vnum oratorium
sine cimiterio • Ita quod corpora Keldeorum et clericorum siue laycoruin
cum eis commorancium in cymiterio parochialis ecclesie de Munimuse
ecclesiasticam recipiant sepulturam • Ita libere sicut hucusque solent sepe-
liri . saluo in omnibus iure matricis ecclesie . Erunt autem ibi duodecini
Keledei • et tercius decimus Bricius quem ipsi Keledei presentabunt do-
mino Episcopo Sancti Andree • ut sit Magister uel Prior eorum • Eo au-
tem cedente uel decedente Keledei de conKeledeis suis tres eligent de
communi assensu eorum et eos Episcopo Sancti Andree quicunque fuerit pre-
sentabunt • ut pro voluntate et disposicione sua Episcopus Sancti Andree de
tribus assumat vnum qui Prioratum siue qui Magistratum habeat • et eidem
tamquam fundatori domus Keledeorum fidelitatem faciat • Et in eleccione
Prioris uel Magistri Keledeorum ita fiet imperpetuum hoc adiecto quod non
licebit eisdem Keledeis vitam sen ordinem monacorum uel Canonicorum
fratrum sine assensu eiusdem Episcopi uel successorum suorum ibidem pro-
fiteri inperpetuum nee numerum Keledeorum prenominatum excedere • Ce-
dente uero uel decedente aliquo Keledeorum libere poterunt alium substi-
tuere vsque ad numerum prenominatum • Ita quod quilibet Keledeus presente
Episcopo Sancti Andree • uel eo qui per eum ad hoc fuerit deputatus •
iurabit quod predictam composicionem fideliter et sine dolo et malo ingenio
quantum in eo est tenebit et seruabit • Predict! uero Keledei dimidiam ca-
rucatam terre Eglismenythok nomine quam ex donacione Roberti bone me-
morie Episcopi Sancti Andree habuerunt adeo libere • integre • et quiete •

176 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

ut earn a tempore eiusdem • Roherti • Episcopi usque ad hec tempora possi-
derunt de cetero possidebunt inperpetuum • Habebunt eciam quartam partem
ouencionura qui in coramuni conferuntur Keledeis • clericis • pevsis et fer-
dys • ab hiis qui ibidem sepulturam elio-unt • et partem que eos contingit de
communi elemosina que dicitur sauchbarian ■ et partem que cos contingit de
beneficio quod dicitur thomneom tharmund • libere ■ et quiete • iuxta quod
ab antiquis temporibus retro usque ad hec tempora habuerunt • saluo in
omnibus jure persone et matricis ecclesie. Terras auteni quas iidem Keledei
ex concessione Gilcrist Comitis de Marr sine assensu predicti Episcopi re-
ceperunt • scilicet • Dolbethok et Fornathy / resignauerunt iu manu eius-
dem Episcopi • Ita quod de cetero nichil juris vendicabunt in eis nisi de con-
cesione eiusdem sua uel successorum suorum • Promiserunt eciam firmiter
quod de cetero nuUas terras que ad Episcopum Sancti Andree noscuntur
pertinere / ex dono ipsius Comitis uel alterius sine assensu ipsius Episcopi
Sancti Andree de cetero recipient nee aliquid facient quod cedit in preiu-
dicium dignitatis sue sine libertatis ecclesie Sancti Andree • uel in detrimen-
tum ecclesie ])arochialis de Munimusc • Cum autem contigerit Episcopum
Sancti Andree venire apud Munemusc / predicti Kelledei recipient ipsuni
cum processione sollempniter • Dominus eciam Willelmus ■ Episcopus Sancti
Andree • promisit pro se et successoribus quod eosdem Kelledeos • iuuabunt ■
et manutenebuut tamquam suos -vt autem hec coniposicio futuris perpetuo
temporibus rata et illibata perseueret presentis scripti muniraine • et tam
sigillorum nostrorum quam sigillorum parcium apposicione et iuramento
Bricii et Andree Keledeorum pro se et suis con Keledeis interposito est
confirmata • Hiis testibus • Thoma priore Sancti Andree • Magistro Jo-
anne archidiacono Laudonie • Petro • Eduardo • Galf'rido capellanis Epis-
copi Sancti Andree • Gervas de Geafle ■ Roberto de Haya • Magistro Ste-
phano • Magistro Adam Guide ■ et Magistro Michaele • et Magistro Petro
de Driburcli • clericis Episcopi Sancti Andree • Magistro Bricio • Magistro
Andrea de Munimusc • et multis aliis •

Mandatum Willelmi Sancti Andree Episcopi de Fratribus de Mu-
nimusc- ' (inter a. d. 1202. et a. d. 1233.)

Willelmus Dei gracia Episcopus Sancti Andree • abbatibus • prioribus ■
archidiaconis • officialibus • omnibusque ecclesiarum rectoribus • necnon et
.subditis suis vniuersis tam clericis quam laicis per dyosesim suani constitutis

' [From the Liber Cartaruni Prioratus S. Andree, pp. 368, 3G9.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE PRIORY OF MONYMUSK. 177

eternam in Domino salutem • Certum est quod hii qui obtentu relio-ionis
seculum relinquentes liabituin suscipiunt rejrularem • et professionis etnittunt

uotura / reuertendi ad communes hominum conuersaciones aditum

sibi precludunt et regressum • Adeo ut habitus reirularis sus-

cepcionem et factam professionem aliquo loquo religioso propria temeritate
inde presumpserit recedere • taraquam canis ad vomitum rediens • uel sus
lota in uolutabro luti despicacione dignus habeatur • et tam Dei quam homi-
num abhominacione • Eapropter dilectorum filiorum nostrorum Prioris et
Keldeorum de Munimusc iustis supplicacionibus inclinati • vniuersitati vestre
per presentia scripta precipiendo mandamus . Quatinus nullum de Fratribus
predicti loci qui habitum religionis susceperint ibidem . et professionem
fecerint ; sine licentia et litteris commendaticiis predictorum Prioris et
Keledeorum ad commorandum inter uos uel communicandum presumatis
admittere • set pocius ipsum habeatis tamquam ethnicum et publicanum •
donee penitencia ductus quam cicius ad domum propriam et confratres
reuertatur . super transgressionibus suis plenius satisfacturus • et iuxta in-
stituciones regule ipsorum canonicam recepturus disciplinam . Valete •

Carta Dauid Episcopi Saiicli Andree de Dolbethoc • ' (inter \.v>. 1233.

ct A. D. 1253.)
Omnibus hoc scriptum etc - Dauid permissione diuina etc • Sancti An-
dree • salutem eternam in Domino ■ Nouerit vniuersitas vestra nos earitatis
intuitu . dedisse • concessisse . et hac carta nostra confirmasse . domino

Fratri Priori de Munimusc et canonicis ibidem Deo seruientibus

et inperpetuum seruituris / Dolbethoc cum suis iustis pertinenciis tenendani
et habendam sibi et suis successoribus • libere • quiete • plene • honori-
fice • de nobis et successoribus nostris • in liberam puram et perpetuam
elemosinam ad sustentacionem pauperum et peregrinorum ibidem confiu-
encium • In cuius rei testimonium etc ■ Testibus • A . de Malkaruistun • etc ■

Confirmatio Innocencii Pape • Priori et conuentui de Munimusc de ecclesiis
Sancti Andree de Aft'ord / Sancti Marnoci de Loychel i Sancti Dia-
coniani de Kege / et Sancti Andree de Kindrocht. ^ (a.d. 1245.)
Innocencius Episcopus seruus seruorum Dei . dilectis filiis - Priori et con-
uentui de Munimusc ordinis Sancti Augustini Aberdonensis dyocesis sa-
lutem . et Appostolicam benediccionem . Justis petencium desideriis • dig-

' [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, p. 369.]
^ [From the same, p. 372.]

178 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

num est nos facilem prebere consensum et uota que a racionis tramite non
discordant effectu prosequente complere ■ Ea propter dilecti in Domino filii
vestris iustis postulacionibus grato concedentes assensu ' Sancti Andrea de
Afford • Sancti Manioci de Loychel • Sancti Diaconiani de Kege . Sancti
Andree de Kindrocht . ecclesias cum earum pertinenciis . quas uos propo-
nitis assecutas sicut eas iuste ac pacifice possidetis . uobis . et per uos ecclesie
vestre autoritate Apostolica confirmamus et presentls scripti patrocinio
communimus • Nulll autem etc ■ Siquis autem etc ■ Datum Lugduni
- V • Kalendas . Junii • pontificatus nostri • anno • secundo •

Confirmatio eiusdem Innocencii Pape de terris de Dolbethok / de Loy-
cliel / et de Eglismeneyttok • '(a.d. 1245.)

Innocencius etc ■ ut supra usque ■ Ea propter dilecti in Domnio filii ves-
tris iustis postulacionibus grato concedentes assensu . de Dolbethok . de
Loychel . de Eglismeneyttok . terras sicut eas iuste ac pacifice possidetis
uobis et per uos ecclesie vestre auctoritate Apostolica confirmamus . et
presentis scripti patrocinio communimus . NulU ergo omnino hominum liceat
banc paginam nostre confirmacionis infringere . uel ei ausu temerario con-
traire . Si quis autem hoc attemptare presurasererit • indignacionem Omni-
potentis Dei • et Beatorum Petri et Pauli Apostolorum eius se nouerit
incursurum • Datum Lugduni • xiiij • Kalendas • Junii . pontificatus
nostri . anno secundo .

Redditus proprii canonicorum de Munnimusc in adventu Fratris • Alani
Prioris • anno • gracie • ra" • cc° ls° • octauo ' . In Festo Natiuitatis
Beate Uirginis . tam de terris quam de ecclesiis . *

Summa ecclesie de Afiord • In firma denariorum • x • marce • In firma

farine • xviij . celdre-

Summa ecclesie de Loychel sine dimidia dauate terre • xv • celdre • et

• xii • bolle • farine •

Summa ecclesie de Keg ■ centum • solidi • de qua nichil • quia per pre-

decessorem inpingnorata-

Summa ecclesie de Kindrouch . per garbas ■ vi • marce • et dimidia • et

• vj . solidi • cuius alteragium est •

De terra de Loychel • ij • marce et dimidia-
De Fedarg et Folayth • iij . marce •
De Tulibaglagh • dimidia • marce •

' [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, p. 373.] ^ [From the same, p. 361.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE PRIORY OF MONYMUSK. 179

De bracina • dimidia marce •

De Thorn Maro • x • solidi •

De cotariis • vi • solidi ■

De Eo-lisineniffcott nichil quia inpingnoratur •

De cano de Houctireyht • x • bollo . ordei . et ■ x . petre casei •

De cano de Mukual . dimidia celdre ordei •

Carta Magistri Duncani Forbes de Monymusk de manerie de Monymusk
per Dauidem Priorem cum consensu sui coadiutoris . ' (a. d. 1549.)

Omnibus banc cartam visuris vel audituris Dauid perrnissione diuiua Prior
Prioratus Monasterii de Monymusk cum consensu et assensu Magistri
Joannis Elphinstoune Rectoris de Inuernochty canonici Abirdonensis ac
coadiutoris nostri ad dictum locum et Monasterium de Monymusk . cui
Magistro Joanni data est omnimoda potestas per decretum Episcopi
Abirdonensis et canonicorum capituli eiusdera ac literas ordinarias dicti
Episcopi Abirdonensis prouisioni eiusdem Magistri Joannis super dicto
coadiutorio conformes regendi / fi'uctusque et terras eiusdem locandi asse-
dandi et ad feudifirmam dimittendi / cum consensu et assensu conuentus
loci antedicti . Necnon nos dictus Magister Joannes pro nobis et successoribus
nostris salutem in Domino sempiternam • Noueritis nos vnanimi consensu ad
hoc capitulariter congregatos precedente edicto publico in valuis ecclesie
Prioratus de Monymusk affixo per spacium viginti vnius dierum citante
omnes interesse habentes ad eii'ectum infrascriptum / vtilitate nostra et
dicti nostri Monasterij ac nostrorum successorum et in augmentationem ren-
talis nostri vt infrascribitur ac policiam reipublice regni / ac contemplationem
statutorum parliamenti Necnon pro magnis et arduis gratitudinibus auxiliis
consiliis et benemeritis per honorablilem virum Magistrum Duncanum For-
bes in arduis nostris negociis nobis et dicto nostro Monasterio alias factis
Necnon pro magna pecunie summa per dictum Magistrum Duncanum et Agne-
tem Gray eius sponsam in nostra vrgente necessitate nobis et dicto Magistro
Joanni Elphinstoun coadiutori antedicto et dicto nostro conuentui pre
raanibus persoluta Ac in vtilitatem dicti nostri loci et Monasterii nunc ruinosi
conuertenda et alias conuersa pro edificatione et restauratione eiusdem • de
quaquidem summa tenemus nos gratanter et integre persolutos \_etc . ]
Necnon propter alias causas rationabiles animos nostros ad hoc mouentes

' [From the original in the charter chest at Monymusk.]

180 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

dedisse concessisse vendidisse et ad feudifirmam seu perpetuani emphiteosim
hereditarie dimisisse et hac presente carta [etc-l prefato Magistro Duncano
Forbes et Agneti Gray coniugi sue secum in coniuncta infeodatione et
eorum alteri diutius viuenti et heredibus inter ipsos legitime procreatis seu
procreandis / quibus forte deficientibus beredibus propinquioribus legitimis
masculis dicti Magistri Duncani et suis assignatis quibuscunque • Omnes et
singulas terras nostras maneriei nostre de Monymusk cum molendinis multu-
ris terris raolendinariis toftis croftis et suis pertinenciis jacentibus infra parro-
chiam de Monymusk et vieecomitatum de Aberdene . Tenendas et habendas
[e<c.] prefato Magistro Duncano et Agneti eius spouse [etc.'] de nobis et suc-
cessoribus nostris in feudifirma seu emphiteosi hereditaria imperpetuum
per omnes rectas metas suas [_etc.'] Reddendo inde annuatira [etc.] nobis
et nostris successoribus Prioribus de Monymusk summam viginti quatuor
librarum vsualis monete regni Scocie pro firma dicte maneriei [etc.'] Nec-
non summam tredecim solidorura et quatuor denariorum eiusdem monete in
augmentationem annuam nostri rentalis plusquam vnquam antea huiusmodi
terre [etc.] Reseruando etiam nobis et sucessoribus nostris locum Monas-
terii nostri cum horto vocato The Pryouris Yard cum pastura quatuor
equorum equitabilium Prioris et domesticorum suorum seruorum et triginta
ouium pro sustentatione familie dicti Prioris cum contigerit eum persona-
liter in Monymusk residere vbi dictus feuditarius et sui heredes pascunt
equos suos et oues suas . volumus etiam quod quilibet heres seu assignatus
de nouo intraus ad huiusmodi terras / in suo primo introitu duplicabit nobis
et successoribus Prioribus dicti loci huiusmodi feudifirmam annuam . [etc.]
In cuius rei testimonium huic presenti carte nostre subscriptionibus nostris
manualibus subscripte sigillum commune dicti Prioratus necnon sigillum
officii coadiutorie dicti Magistri Joannis Elphinstoune coadiutoris antedicti
sunt appensa- Apud Monymusk et Abirdene respectiue decimo septimo
die mensis Marcii anno Domini millesimo quingentesinio quadragesimo
octauo coram testibus Dauide Kyntor Alesandro Gray burgensibus de
Abirdene Magistro Waltero Steward Vilhelmo Marsar Patricio Lumysden
Domino Alexandre Yowngsone Magistro Thoma Dauidsone et Martino
Howesone notariis publicis cum diuersis aliis •

Dauid Prior de Monimusk

Magister Joannes Elphinston coadiutor Monasterij de Monymvsk
Dominus Jacobus Chyld canonicus de Monimwsk manu propria ad hec
Jacobus Murray canonicus de Monimwsk manu propria ad hec

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE PRIORY OF MONYMUSK. 181

Conformacioun of the channonis of Moniinusc .' (a. d. 1550.)

Be it kend til all men be thir presenttis wss Deyn James Chyld and
Deyn James Murraye chanonis of the Abbaye and Priorye ofF Mvni-
mosk to haiiF seyn viseit and considderit ane infeftment be chartour and
precept giffin be owr suprem held oif the sade Abbaye to M Dun-
can Forbes and his aris / off all and syndrye owr landis off the manis
of Mvnimosk vith thairis pendiclis and pertinenttis / vith the quhilk in-
feftment we ryplie adwisit and hes fundin that the samin vas sett to the
grit vtilite and weyll off our said Abbaye for restauracioun of the samin
and alse for augmentacioun of our rentall / ass in the said infeftment at
mayr lyntht is contenit Quhairfor we the saidis chanonis and conuent for
the tyme off the said Abbaye subscriuit the said chartour and precept giffin
theron to the said M Duncan and his aris in fewferm and heretage /
Quhilkis subscripcionis we be thir presenttis ratyfyis and approwis in all
tyme curaying And be thir presenttis testifyis and makis it knawin that we
ne neyn of wss in Hon tyme bigane hes giffin our consent nor subscriptiouns
till non otheris off the saidis landis off the manis of Mvnimosk except
to the said M Duncan and his aris / And heyrfor bynddis and oblesis wss
and euere ane of wss lelelye and trewlyc the Halye Euangell tuchit vith owr
handis therto off owir awin frie will neuer to cum in the contrar nor to giff
our consenttis nor subscriwe non chartour precept nor infeftment quhatsum-
euer on the saidis landis in non tyme cumyng till non otheris quhatsumeuer /
and that because we haiff ressauit the said M Duncan owir tenent therto
and his aytht of fydelytie thairon for payment and furthfillyng off all and
syndrye the puncttis contenit in the said infeftment / And incaise owir Prior
ordinar or administrator haffand jurisdictioun on wss nocht haffand God nor
guid conscience before [tham] ne respect off the premissis done be tbam
and wss to the said M Duncan hes giffin thair consenttis and subscriptionis
till ony otheris on the saidis lands in preiudice off the said M Duncanis
tytill and in proditioun off thairis faime and lawte / We be thir presenttis
renuncis [and] reuokis all consenttis and subscriptiounis giffin or to be
giflSn in ony tyme cumyng be our said ordinar on the saidis landis till ony
other persoun or persounis quhatsumeuer except to the said M Duncan and
his aris elanerly / And further giff it hapinis / quhilk God forbed/ that be

' [From the original in tlie charter chest at Monymusk.]

182 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

our forsaid ordinar warante and dispositioun off the saidis landis till ony
otheris that be the samen thair beis rassit letteris on the saidis M Dun-
can or his aris for reductioun off the said our infeftmeut giffin to the said
M Duncan and his airis on the saidis landis / than in that caise we the saidis
ehanonis renuncis and reuokis the saidis letteris and instance thairoif now
ass than and than ass now / And heirfor makis constituttis and ordanis honor-
abill men Masteris Robert Luinisden Thomas Dauisoun and Gilbert Jhon-
ston owir lawchfull and ondowttit procuratouris esecutouris factoris and spe-
cial! erand beraris to pass in owir neym befor ony juge or jugis day or place
that the saidis M Duncan or his aris beis callit for the sam and thair in
owir neym renunce and reuok the saidis letteris and instance tharoif as we
owir selff mycht do and we wer thair present in propyr personis / And for
the faythfuU obseruyng and kepying of all and syndrye the premissis we
the saidis chanonis and conuent for the tyme lelelye and treulye byndis and
oblessis wss be the faythis in owir bodyis the Halye Euangell tuichit off owir
awin fre will neuer to cum in the contrar be thir owir subscriptionis et
sub penis infamie et periurie In presens off Jhon Forbes in Kylbethok
Alexander Lumisden Villeam Merser and Alexander Youngsoun notar
publict quhom we haiff constitut to put thir presentis in mayr ampill forme
as neid beis suh forma instrumenti At Monimosk the tent daye off Julij
yeyr olf God ane thowsand fyf hundreyth and fyfty yeyris

Den James Chyld cannone of Mvnymwsk vith my hand
Jacobus Murray cannone of Mvnymusk vith my hand
Ita est Alexander Youngsoun notarius publicus ac testis in premissis

Facultas concessa Magistro Joanni Elphinstoune ad locandum terras Prio-
ratus de Monymusk.' (a. d. 1550.)

Raynutius miseratione diuina etc. Sancti Angeli presbyter Cardinalis di-
scretis viris thesaurario et archidiacono ac Arthuro Talliefer canonico ec-
clesie Aberdonensis Salutem in Domino Ex parte Johannis Elphinston
canonici Aberdonensis nobis oblata petitio continebat Quod cum domus et
edificia Monasterii siue Prioratus de Monymusk ordinis Sancti Augustini
Aberdonensis diocesis quod sen quem Dauid Farlie in titulum sen com-
mendam aut alias ex concessione et seu dispensatione Apostolica obtinet
diruta et fere solo equata esse reperiantur • sic quod dictus Dauid adeo

' [From the origmal in the charter chest at Monymusk.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE PRIORY OF MONYMUSK. 183

senex et valetudinarius vt illorum reparationi prouidere non possit et nisi
ei breui prouideatur timeatur Monasterium seu Prioratum prefatum euerti
debere Et propterea si dicto exponenti / qui in coadiutoreiii ipsius Dauidis
cum futura successione Apostolica primo et deinde ad eiusdem Monasterii
seu Prioratus regimen et gubernium ita vt illius fructus redditus et prouen-
tus percipere exigere et leuare \_etc.'\ ac alia regimen et gubeimium buius-
modi concernentia facere et exequi attenta dieti Dauidis senectute et vale-
tudine possit ordinaria auctoritatibus sub certis modo et forma deputatus
fuit / certas possessiones seu terrarum petias iuxta suos confines sitas et
positas ac ad prefatum Monasterium seu Prioratum aut illius mensam legi-
time spectantes et pertinentes valoremque annum sex librarum sterling-
orum non excedentes • in emphiteosim perpetuam seu ad certum etiam
longum tempus vni seu pluribus personis sub certo annuo canone redditu
siue censu conueniendo ac cum certis pactis et conditionibus emphi-
teoticis in euidentem ipsius Monasterii seu Prioratus vtilitatem • locandi
et concedendi ac pecunias ex locations et concessione huiusmodi proue-
nientes in restaurationem et reparationem domorum et edificiorum predic-
torum conuertendi • a sede Apostolica facultas concederetur profecto indem-
nitati dicti Monasterii seu Prioratus plurimum consuleretur • Quare sup-
plicari fecit humiliter dictus exponens sibi super his per sedem predictam de
opportuno remedio misericorditer prouideri ■ Nos igitur dictarura terrarum
situationes confines denominationes valores qualitates quantitates et circum-
stantias ac si de verbo ad verbum insererentur presentibus pro plene et
sufficienter expressis habentes • ac attendentes quod in his que in monasteri-
orum et locorum regularium vtilitatem cedere dignoscuntur fauorabiles esse
debemus atque benigni • Auctoritate Domini Papa cuius primarie curam
gerimus Et de eius speciali mandate super bee vine vocis oraculo nobis
facto Discretioni vestre aut duobus vestrum coniunctim committimus qua-
tinus si per diligentem informationem per vos super premissis seruatis ser-
uandis habendam locationem et concessionem predictas si fiant in euidentem
dicti Monasterii seu Prioratus vtilitatem cedere repereritis super quibus ves-
tram conscientiam oneramus • eidem exponenti de consensu dicti Dauidis
petias terrarum predictas in emphiteosim vt prefertur locandi et concedendi
ac pecunias exinde prouenientes in restaurationem et reparationem domo-
rum ac edificiorum predictorum conuertendi ac omnia alia et singula in pre-
missis [etc.'] faciendi [e^c] Apostolia auctoritate licentiam concedatis et facul-

184 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

tatem [etc.'\ Non obstantibus premissis et felicis recordationis Pauli preben-
darii de rebus ecclesiasticis non alienandis necnon quibiisuis aliis Apostolicis
ac in prouincialibus et synodalibus conciliis editis generalibus vel specialibus
constitutionibus et ordinationibus necnon Monasterii sen Prioratus et or-
dinis predictorum statutis et consuetudinibus etiam juramento confirmatione
Apostolica vel quauis lirmitate alia roboratis cetcrisque contrariis quibus-
cunque • Datum Rome apud Sanctum Petrura sub sigillo officii primarie
• V ■ Idus Decembris Pontificatus domini Julij Pape iij Anno Prirao •

Chartour of the ruinouse hous of Monymusk be Robert commendatour /

sine dato.'
Omnibus banc cartam visuris vel audituris Robertus permissione diuina
Prior Prioratus de Monymusk eternam in Domino salutem sempiternam No-
ueritis nos vtilitate et commodo nostris et successorum nostrorum commen-
datariorum de Monymusk et loci eiusdem vndique preuisis [e<c.] Et in
specie habita consideratione quod locus et Monasterium dicti Prioratus de
Monymusk nunc penitus dirutum et vastum existit Et quod omnes con-
uentus eiusdem sunt defuncli sic quod nulla residentia aut domus habitationi
conueniens pro presentc apud dictum Monasterium existit / vt ruinose domus
et edificia dicti loci edificentur et vt in eisdem gymnasium literarium pro
pueris in bonestis studiis et Uteris erudiendis institui poterit / Necnon pro
rentalis nostri augmentatione ac certis pecuniarum summis nobis per honor-
abilem virum Villelmum Forbes de Monymusk feoditarium terrarum manerie
de Monymusk \_etc.'] dedisse concessisse [(?<c.] prefato Villelmo Forbes
de Monymusk beredibus suis masculis et assignatis quibuscunque Tolas et
integras ruinosas domos et edificia dicti Monasterii de Monymusk et vnam
croftam sen petiam crofte jacentem post ortum versus borealem partem
dicti loci extendentem ad seminationem quatuor bollarum ordei annuatim
vnacum omnibus ac singulis domibus edificiis ortis constructis et constru-
endis iacentibus ex boreali parte torentis currentis ad dictum locum et
Monasterium sub semiterio ecclesie parrocliialis de Monymusk cum omnibus
et singulis partibus \_ctc.'] vnacum communi pastura sex equorum et quin-
quaginta arietum li/e wedderis super terras manerie de Monymusk pastu-
randorum (que nobis et successoribus nostris per cartam et infeofamentum
feodifirme per predicessores nostros quondam Magistro Duncano Forbes

' [From the original in the charter chest at Monymusk.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE ABBEY OF DEER. 185

patri prefati Villelmi concessara specialiter et expresse reseruantur) jacen-
tibus infra parrochiam de Monymusk et vicecomitatum de Aberden • Tenen-
das et habendas [etc.'\ prefato Villelmo Forbes heredibus suis masculis et
assignatis de nobis et suceessoribus nostris Prioribus dicti Prioratus in feo-
difirma et hereditate imperpetuum per omnes rectas raetas suas [_etc.'] Red-
dendo inde annuatim [_etc.'] pro dicta crofta seu petia crofte viginti sex
solidos octo denarios Et pro dicta, pastura sex equorum et quinquaginta
arietum decern solidos Et pro domibus editiciis et pertineutiis dicti loci
summam tredecem solidorum qiiatuor denariorum in augmentationem nostri
rentalis [e<c.] Ac etiam sustinendo edilicando et reparando omnibus tempo-
ribus futuris vnam idoneam domum seu editicium pro gymnasio literario
seu schola pro juuentutis instructione cum necessariis dicte schole spectan-
tibus / tantum pro omni alio onere [e^c.]'

Robert commendator off Monymosk
Alex' Gray vitnes to the premissis

THE ABBAY OF DEER

Deer, lying between Sapling-brae and Aikie-brae, (tlie customs of
which fair, called Mercatus Querceti, belonged to this Abbay,) on
the brink of Ugie, in Old Deer parish, was founded, March the first,
A. D. M.cc.xviii., by William Gumming, Earl of Buchan, who,
dying A. D. M.cc.xxxiii., was buried here. The monks were, at
first, Cistertians ; but they were afterwards changed into Bernardins.
The church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary ; and the convent
was a large building of red stone, (the ruines of which are yet
seen,^) having several houses round about it for the use of the
mechanicks who served the Abbay.

1 [In the original there is a space left for the testing clause.]

2 [" On a pleasant bank of the river Ugie, shaded from the north by a woody hill, lie
the remains of the Abbey of Deer: the form of a cross, in which it had been built, may
still be traced among the ruins. Most of the doors and windows have large round arches ;
but the work has been altogether plain ; no vestiges of carving, nor even mouldings, are
discoverable on any part." (Antiquities and Scenery of the North of Scotland. By the
reverend Charles Cordiner, minister of St. Andrew's Chapel, Bamff, p. 43. Lond. 1780. 4to.)

An engraving of the " Abbey of Deer, as it existed in 1770," is inserted in " A General
View of the Agriculture of Aberdeenshire. By George Skene Keith, D.D., minister of

186 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Saint Guinoth, confessor to King Alexander III., is said to have
been Abbot here, and to have died in his embassy to Florence, Earl
of Holland, A. D. m.cc.lxxxvii.. His feast vpas kept on the thirty-
first of March.*

Keith-hall and Kinkell," p. 98. Aberd. 1811. 8vo. The author states, "as a striking
l)roof of the uncommon skill of the Romish clergy in the raising of fruit trees, that when
Mr. Ferguson of Pitfour was laying out his new orchard, he found in the garden of the
Abbey of Deer, first, rich soil, above three feet deep ; secondly, a well paved causeway of
granite ; thirdly, a bed of pure sand, one foot deep ; fourthly, another causeway of granite ;
and below the whole, a considerable depth of rich mould. No greater precaution could
have been taken to hinder the roots of the fruit trees from being injured, by piercing into
a cold or wet subsoil." (pp. .367, 368.) " It is said," writes Mr. Cosmo Innes, " that
some ancient pear trees which were thrown down by a violent storm at Kinloss, early in the
last century', exposed to view, under their roots, a carefully laid pavement, after the fashion
which is now used by the most skillful gardeners, to prevent the roots from penetrating too
deep." (Ferrerii Historia Abbatum de Kynlos, pref., pp. xv., xvi. Edinb. 1839. 4to.) ]

* T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gent. Scot. [t. i., p. 306 : " S. Guinothds, Abbas
Deiranus, Alexandro III. Regi a saoello et sacris conscientiae fuit, eruditionis mundanae
quidem callens, sed divinae sapientiae cupidus niagis observator. Cum legatione ad Flor.
entium Hollandiae comitem fungeretur, magno Regis dolore, sed longe majore, ob incom-
moda quae postea evenerunt, regni totius dispendio, vita functus, ac in patriam relatus,
ingenti signorum gloria inclaruit, ab episcopo Aberdonensi elevatus, S. sede Apostolica
jubente. Extat officium ix. lectionum, et templa aliquot ei dicata. Depositus anno
Mccxxcvii. colitur die xxxi. Martii. Jacobus Cheynaeus." See also D. Cameraiii De
Scotorvm Fortitvdine, pp. 130, 131.

" Alexander Benediotinus monachus congregationis Benchorensis, vel Cluniacensis,
ut quibusdam visum, vel, ut vcrius alii, Scoticae, Deirac professus, patria exactus saeviente
bellorum civilium tempestate, in Essebio Angliae monasterio diu vixit, unde illi Essebiensis
cognomentum. ' Carmine exeellens, et prosa,' ait Uvion in Lig. Vitae adjunctis. Ban-
fiensem se profitetur lib. n. Epitomes Historiae Britannicae in limine. Nee illius, praeter
Balaeum, quod sciam, quisquam meminit, qui et ipse mendacio assueto Angluni faeit.
Scripta ab eo : ' Epitome Historiae Britannicae, lib. ii. ; Vita S. Bertellini Eremitae, lib.
X. ; Vita S. Cunigundi Eremitae, lib. i. ; De sacris Diebus, lib. i. ; Carmina sacra, lib. i. ;
Epistolae, lib. ii. ; Patriae Calamitas, lib. i.' Floruit anno m ccc lx." T. Dempsteri His-
toria Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., p. 46.

" Samdel Deiranus, monachus Benedictinus, a Deira celeberrimo Buchaniae coenobio sic
vocatus, vir fuit ad miraculum omnibus bonis artibus eruditus, praecipue mathematicis, in qui-
bus tantum floruit et excelluit, ut a vulgo magus haberetur ; revera naturae mysteria adeo
penetravit, ut nihil in iis ei occultum foret. Mira praedictionum felicitate, varia reliquit
ingenii sui rarissimi monumenta, sed ad me paucorum apices pervenerunt. In his habentur :
' Canones Astrologici, lib. i. ; Principum quorundam Horoscopi, lib. i. ; Praedictiones veraces

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE ABBEY OF DEER. 187

The last Abbot I find here is Robert, brother to William Earl
Marishal, presented by Queen Mary, A. D. m.d.xliii.*

This Abbay being erected into the Lordship of Altrie, was given
to George Earl Marishal, A. D. m.d.lxxxiv.

To this Abbay belonged the patronages and tithes of Old Deer.
Peterhead, Foveran, and King Edward.

There belonged to the Abbay of Deer these lands, erected after-
ward into a barony, called that of Altrie, lying in the parishes of
Old Deer, New Deer, Peterhead, Foveran, Ordewhill, Logie-Buchan .
Clerkhill ; Quartalehouse ; wakmiln thereof ; miln of Crichie ; meikle
Crichie ; Auchmunyiel ; Cairnbanno ; Clackriach ; Little Elrick ;
Aldmad ; Anchinleck ; Atherb ; Skillymarno ; Achmachar ; Altrie ;
Biffie ; Brunchill ; miln of Bruxie ; new miln of Bruxie ; Kirktoun
of Deer ; Benwalls ; INIeikle Elrick ; Munkshill in Newburgh, now
an inn ; Grange ; FishertowTi of Peterhead ; an annualrent of three
pounds, six shillings and eight pence out of Tullioch : and of thirty-
three shillings and four pence out of Toux ; and of forty shillings
out of Savock and Kinmunde ; a lodging for the Abbot in Aber-
deen, (being a court in the Castlegait there, now called Marischal's
Lodging) ; Barrie ; Fechil.f

super Casu Religionis apud Scotos, et ejusdem nova Restauratione, lib. i. ; Theologicae
Collectiones pro Astrologica Scientia," lib. i..' Obiit anno md XLvn. Sepultus non longe
Edimburgo in cujusdam viri nobilissimi sacello, quocum ejusdem sacelli imagines omnes
etiam sepultae ac reconditae." T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis .Scotorum,
t. i., p. 233.]

* Epistolae Regum Scotiae, vol. ii. [" Robertds Kethcs, frater Comitis Martialis, vir^
non minus eruditione, et vitae continentia, quam generis claritudine illustrissimus. Abbas
Deirensis, multa egisse diciturj quo collapses ecclesiastic! ordinis mores restitueret, acerri-
mus vitiorum in illo hominum genere vindex et censor. Scripsit et publicavit ' Ad Cle-
rum Monitoria, lib. i. ; De Priniitivae Ecclesiae apud Scotos Sanctitate, lib. i.' quod opus
Jacobus Langius, Sorbonicus doctor, Scotus, publici juris facere voluit ; an fidem liberarit,
nescio. Obiit Lutetiae anno md h. die xii. .Tunii, sepultus in aede sacra Carnielitarum
ante aram S. Niniani Scoti." T. Dempsteri Hist. Ecclesiast. Gentis Scotorum, t. ii.,
pp. 423, 424.]

f From a chartar of the Earl Marshal.

188 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[Excerpta ex Joannis Ferrerii Historia Abbatum de Kynlos.'
Anno Domini 1219, fuit erectio Monasterii a Deir, quarto Calendas Febru-
arii ; et eodem die profecti sunt aliquot monachi ex Kynlos in Deir, tanquam
in novam coloniam. Monachorum nomina sunt, Hugo, Ardorus, et Joannes ;
qui, continua successione, altero decedente, subrogati sunt in ejusdem loci
Abbates. Haec facta sunt sub Abbate a Kynlos quarto. Domino Radulpho,
anno primo ipsius administrationis, (sic opinatur in suo catalogo Dominus
Robertus Stephanas, nunc Prior a Deir,) apud Monasterium a Kynlos. His
tribus in Deir Abbatibus, successit quartus, Valerantius nomine ; vir, (ut tum
ferebat aetas,) bene eruditus, et Gallus natione. Valerantio successit
Ricbardus, qui postea nonus abbas a Kynlos fuit.^

Dominus Ricbardus, Abbas a Kynlos nonus, obiit sexto decimo Calendas
Augusti, anno Domini 1289. Hie prinium monacbus fuit apud Deir, et
ibidem Abbas quintus ; deinde selectus est ut praeesset Monasterio a Kynlos.
Hue venit, et complusculos annos vixit, homo plane religiosus.*

Dominus Adam, Abbas a Kynlos xiii. Proditum est memoriae hunc
fuisse ex claustro a Deir selectura, ut praeesset Monasterio a Kynlos :
quamvis non probe sciatur quotus fuerit.*

Dominus Joannes Flutere, Abbas a Kynlos xvii., obiit Nonas Maii, anno
Domini 14(50. Sub hoc Abbate, dominus Arthurus, hujus loci monacbus,
electus est in Abbatem de Diei-, [et] illuc profectus Monasterium decern
annos rexit ; deinde 1100 marcas Scoticas suo Monasterio a Dier moriens
relinquit. In hujus Abbatis magistratu dejecti sunt monachi albi a Plus-
cardy, et nigri intromissi. Ex albis, duo excepti sunt in Kynlos, vi-
delicet, dominus Joannes Henry, et dominus Joannes Bynes. Sed hie
Bynes, cum turpiter viveret in Kynlos, postea, ab Joanne Ellem Abbate,
transpositus est in Deir ; ubi et plenus annis diem clausit extremum.*

lUud multo laboriosius quod in dominum Joannem Inness, Abbatem
Monasterii a Deire, factum est. Est in Buthquhania, apud ecclesiam ab
Ellone, villa quam suo nomine Fechile vocant ; illius villae decimas, suas
esse contendebat Abbas a Deire ; in adversam sententiam Thomas Chrys-

i [Edinburgi, 1839, 4to.] ^ [P. 24.] 3 [P. 26.] * [P. 27.] » [P. 30.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE ABBEY OF DEER. 189

tallus] Abbas a Kynlos [xxii. 1499 — 1526.] ferebatur. In tantum lis
crevit ut cognitores in concessu provinciali abbates oranes Cisterciensis
instituti apud Scotiam habuerit, idque Edinburgi, in fratrum praedicatorum
monasterio. Deinceps, in loco judicis praesulis Aberdoniam intractum est
negotium. Victus duabus. (quas vocant,) sententiis definitivis Abbas a
Deire superiori sue Abbati a Kynlos facile cessit. Hinc crevit annuus in Kyn-
los, (ut referunt iUius loci oeconomi,) census quadraginta solidis Scoticis. '

Usus est [Thomas ChrystaUus abbas] praeterea sui ordinis authoritate
summa, ad visitationem, (quam vocant,) per universam Scotiae provin-
ciam. Atque ex officio, saepiuscule Monasteria a Deire et Culross in suis
ceremoniis collapsa, restituit.''^

Litera Willelmi de Fedreth.^ {circa a. d. 1300.)

Pateat uniuersis per presentes me • WiUelnium de Fedreth • filium et he-
redem quondam Domini Magni de Fedreth militis • teneri firmiter et fideliter
obligari • et per presentes oblige me et heredes meos omnibus temporibus
futuris • venerabili in Christo patri • Michaeli Abbati de Dere • et eiusdem
loci conuentui • et eorum successoribus • in seruicio consilio et auxilio et
manutenencia tocies quocies requisiti fuerimus in omnibus suis causis et
materiis peragendis • pro eorum gratitudinibus graciarum actionibus et aliis
benemeritis michi multipliciter impensis • Et precertim pro terris suis de
Auchrathy maiori cum pertinenciis / quasquidem terras cum pertinenciis
fateor me tenere in superioritate tanquam de dominis meis superioribus /
prout in carta eorum michi facta plenius eontinetur • Ego uero prefatus
Willelmus et heredes mei uel assignati reddentes duas marcas sterlingorum
dictis Abbati et conuentui et eorum successoribus ad duos anni terminos
usuales • videlicet • Pentecostes et Sancti Martini in yeme • per equales
porciones per manus ministrorum suorum eis libere sine aliquo retinemento
mei heredum meorum aut assignatorum quorumcunque • cum communi secta
curie sicut alias ad capitalia placita eorum • Insuper ego prefatus Willel-
mus fidem bonam et conscientiam recognoscens / pro me et heredibus meis /
fateor me nullum jus habere in parte parce de Badorosky ex parte aquilon-

1 [P. 69.] 2 [P. 79.]

^ [From a copy in Hutton's Monastic Collections, vol. ix., MS. Advocates' Library.]
2 B

190 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

ali riuuli infra parcam eiusdem loci decurrentis / licet dictus Magnus pater
meus ex quorundam suggestione motus in dicta parte predicte parce cre-
debat se habere aliquando ius • Renuncio pro me et heredibus meis imper-
petuum dictis religiosis quiete clamando omne ius meum quod habui uel
habere potui ad dictam partem parce • In cuius rei testimonium presentibus
sigillum meum est appensum • Hiis testibus • Rogero de Fedreth • Jor-
dano Cumyn • Domino Johanna Mygele • et multis aliis ■

For sending out of fourtie hagbutteris to Deir.' (a.d. 1590.)

Curia balliuorum burgi de Aberdene tenta in pretorio eiusdem decimo
quarto die mensis Octobris 1590 per honorabiles viros Alexandrum Cullen
prepositum Magistrum Robertum Paip Dauidem Andersone et Georgium
Stratbaucbyn balliuos

The said day the haill toun being lauchtfullie warnit to this day baytht
trie and onfrie be the hand bell passing throw the haill rewis and streittis off
the toun / quhairvpon the bearer mad faytht / and comperand for the maist
pairt representand the haill bodye of the toun • It was exponit to thame
be Alexander Cullen prouest that his Maiestie had directit chargis and
lettres charging the haill inhabitantis and his Graceis liegis within the
schirefdomes of Forfar Kincardin Aberdene and Banff to pas fordwart
and accumpany the Erll Merschall his Graceis commissioner in that pairt
to Deir for recovery of the hows of Deir presentlie takin and with-
haldin be Mr Robert Keytht and his complices / vnder the payne of tynsell
of lyves landis and gudis as in the saidis lettres red in judgement off the
dait at Halyruidhous the xxvj day of September last bypast at mair lynth
is contenit / desyring of thame to knaw gif thay wald obey his Maiesties
charge thairanent or giff they wald be content to furneis out ane number
for the haill inhabitantis of this burght with hagbuttis to pas with the said
Erll to the effect forsaid / as the borrowis of Dundie Montroiss Brechin and
Forfar subiect to the said proclamatioun and charge hes done / gif the said
Erll wald be thairwith content / Quha being conuenit as said is ffor obe-
dience to the said charge thocht it maist meit and expedient that the num-
ber of fourtie suld be send furth for this burght hagbutteris furnessit be
the haill inhabitantis / thrie four fy ve or tua to furneis ane hagbutter as salbe

' [From the Reg. of the Coun. of the City of Aberd., vol. xxxiii., part i., pp. 806,807.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE ABBEY OF DEER. 191

appoyntit be the discretioun of prouest and bailleis according to the ha-
biliteis of the furneisaris / gifF the said Erll Merschall commissioner to his
Maistie willbe thairuith content / rather nor the haill inhabitantis of this
burght to pas forwardt •

The relacioun of a wonderful! vission.' {written between a. d. 1649. and
A.D. 1660.)

This was a fearfull presaige of the fatall punishment which did hing over
the head of that noble familie [of the Earl Marischal of Scotland], fortold
by a terrible vission to his grandmother, efter the sacraleidgious annexing
of the Abacie of Deir to the house of Marshell : which I think not wn-
worthie the remembirance, wer it bot to adwyce other noble men therby to
bewar of meddling with the rents of the church ; for, in the first fundation
therof, they were given out with a curse pronunced in ther charector, or
evident of the first erectione, in those termes. Cursed be those that
taketh this away from the holy wse wherwnto it is now dedicat. And I
wish, from my heart, that this curse follow not this ancient and noble
familie, who hath, to ther praise and never dieing honor, conteinued ther
greatnes, mantained ther honor, and both piously and constantly hes fol-
lowed forth the way of vertue, from that tym that the valoure, worth, and
happie fortoun of ther first predecessore planted them, and ever since the
currage of his heart, strenth of his arme, and love of his contry, made him
happily to resist the cruell Danes in that famous field of [Barry e], wher
he gained to his nation a nottable victorie, to his contry a following peace,
and to bis posteritie both riches and dignitie, by that noble and high prefer-
ment to be Marishell of the wholl kingdom.

George Earle Marshell, a learned, wyse, and upright good man, got
the Abacie of Deir, in recompence, from James the Sixt, for the honorable
chairge he did bear in that ambassage he had into Denmerk, and the wyse
and worthie accompt he gave of it at his returne, by the conclusion of that
matche, wherof the Royall stock of Brittanes monarchie is descended.

This Earle George his first wyfe, dochter to the Lord Horn, and
grandmother to this present Earle, being a woman both of a high spirit
and of a tender conscience, forbids her husband to leave such a consuming

' [From " A Short Abridgement of Britanes Distemper, from the yeare of God 1639
to 1649." By Patrick Gordon, brother to Sir Alexander Gordon of Clunie. MS.]

192 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

moth in his house, as was the sacraledgeous medling with the Abisie of
Deir. But fourtein scoir chalderes of meill and beir, was a sore tentatione ;
and he could not weell indure the randering back of such a morsell. Vpon
his absolut refusall of her demand, she had this vission. The night following,
in her sleepe, she saw a great number of religious men, in their habit, com
forth of that Abbey, to the stronge Craige of Dunnoture, which is the
principall residence of that familie. She saw them also sett themselves round
about the rock, to gett it down and demolishe it, having no instruments, nor
toUles, wherwith to perform this work, but only penknyves ; wherwith they
follishly, (as it seemed to her,) begane to pyk at the Craige. She smyled to
sie them intend so frutles ane interpryse ; and went to call her husband, to
scuffe and geyre them out of it. When she had fund him, and brought him
to sie these sillie religious monckes at ther foolishe work, behold ! the wholl
Craige, with all his stronge and statly buildinges, was by ther pynknyves
wndermynded and fallen in the sea, so as ther remained nothing but the
wrack of ther riche furnitore and stufe, flotting on the waves of a raging and
tempestous sea. Som of the wyser sort, divining wpon this vission, attre-
bute to the penknyves, the lenth of time befor this should com to pass ; and
it hath bein observed, by sundrie, that the Earles of that house, befor,
wer the richest in the kingdom, having treasure in store besyde them ; but,
ever since the addittion of this so great a revenue, they have losed ther
stock by heavie burdeines of debt and ingagment. ' ]

THE PRIORY OF FYVIE.

Fyvie, lying on the brink of Ytlian, in Fyvie parish, hard by the
parish church, was founded, by King William the Lyon, for Be-
nedictins, after the model of Tours, like those of Aberbrothock
Abbey, to which this cell belonged.

The church of this priory was dedicated to the Virgin Mary :

1 [Of the ancient and noble house of The Marischal, Mr. Riddell has remarked that
" after existing for several centuries in the male line, not only talented, and distinguished,
but retaining even latterly, a considerable portion of their once extensive estates, — besides
having the exclusive honour of founding a University, — this powerful family, like that of
Winton, fell [in 1713] at one blow, under circumstances that did not call for so severe a
retribution, and must ever awaken our sympathy, and commiseration." Remarks upon
Scotch Peerage Law, p. 120. Edinb. 1833. 8vo.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE PRIORY OF FYVIE. 193

and all that can now be traced of the whole building, is the
churchyard. '

Carta Reginaldi le Chen de terra de Ardlogy • ^ (a. d. 1285.)
Uniuersis sancte matris ecclesie tiliis [etcJ] Reginaldus le Chen pater •
Salutem eternam in Domino • Noueritis me pro salute anime raee et anima-
rum antecessorum et successorum meorura / dedisse [e^c] Deo et ecclesie
Sancti Thome Martiris de Abirbrothoc • et monachis dicti monasterii in
domo religiosa constructa in terra de Ardlogy prope ecclesiara Sancti Petri
de Fyvyn commorantibus • ac ibidem Deo seruientibus et in posterum ser-
uituris ' totam terram meam de Ardlogy et de Leuchendy cum pertinenciis
[e<c.] in puram et perpetuam elemosinam • Tenendam et babendam dictis
religiosis et successoribus suis de me et heredibus meis / adeo libere • [e^c]
Et si contingat quod absit me vel heredes meos vel aliquera heredum
meorum contra premissa • in toto vel in parte de facto vel de iure • venire /
Volo et concede pro me et heredibus meis quod Episcopi Abirdonensis et
Sancti Andree et eorum officiales qui pro tempore fuerint vel eorundem
Episcoporum vel ofEcialiura alter possint vel possit me et heredes meos ad
obseruacionem omnium et singulorum premissorum per censuram ecclesias-
ticam sine strepitu iudiciali compellere et cohercere • Et vt ista donacio
mea stabilis et rata permaneat sigillum meum • et sigillum Domini Reginaldi
le Chen filii mei et heredis • presentibus sunt appensa • ac ad maiorem rei
euidenciam et cautelam sigilla venerabilium patrum Dominorum Abirdonen-
sis et Sancti Andree Episcoporum eisdem presentibus apponi procuraui ■
Datum apud Abirden • die Jouis in Festo Sancti Luce Euangeliste • Anno
gracie • m° ■ cc° • octogesirao quinto •

' [" Near the church, on the banks of the Ithan, are the ruins of a Priory. From the
appearance of the foundations, which were extant some years ago, it should seem to have
been three sides of a court, the middle of which was the church, and the two sides the
cells and offices of the monks." Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. ix., p. 463. Edinb.
1793.

" The site of the Priory was on the north bank of the Ythan, about a mile below the
castle ; and the outline ofa part of it, said to have been the chapel, is still distinguishable
on the crest of a gentle eminence, about one hundred and fifty yards north-east of the pre-
sent bridge of Lewes." New Statistical Account of Scotland, part xxviii., p. 326. Edinb.
1840. 8vo.]

2 [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS. Advocates' Library.]

194 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Ordinacio Henrici Episcopi Abirdonensis super Vicaria de Fyvyn • '

(a. d. 1285.)
Omnibus sancte matris filiis [etc.'] Henricus perrnissione diuina Abirdo-
nensis ecclesie minister humilis • Salutem in Domino sempiternam • No-
ueritis vniuersi • quod cum vicaria ecclesie de Fyvyn vacaret per resigna-
cionem Domini Ferchardi eiusdem ecclesie vicarii • nos vnanimi et communi
consilio et assensu tocius capituli nostri / ad instanciam religiosorum virorum
Abbatis et conuentus de Abirbrothoc ad quos presentacio huiusmodi
vicarie hactenus de iure et consuetudine spectabat • de predicta vicaria in
forma que sequitur ad diuinum cultum ampliandum ordinasse ac ipsam
ordinacionem auctoritate nostra ordinaria confirmasse • videlicet • Quod
viri religiosi de Abirbrothoc ordinis Sancti Benedict! Sancti Andree dio-
cesis • in domo religiosa in terra de Ardlogy iuxta ecclesiam Sancti Petri
de Fyvyn constructa perpetuo Deo seruientes et seruituri / quam nobilis vir
Reginaldus le Chen pater fundauit • in honore Domini Jesu Christi • et
Beate Marie Virginis • et Omnium Sanctorum • ac pro salute anime sue
antecessorum et successorum suorum • habeant et possideant redditus et
prouentus vniversos predicte vicarie de Fyvyn / in vsus proprios conuer-
tendos cum omnibus iuribus oblacionibus et obuencionibus ad dictam vicariam
pertinentibus • Et ne predicta ecclesia Sancti Petri de Fyvyn suis debitis et
consuetis defraudetur obsequiis / volumus et ordinamus • quod ibidem sit vnus
capellanus perpetuus qui parochiam die noctuque cum necesse fuerit cir-
cumeat ac parochianis sacramenta ecclesiastica ministret • Quiquidem capel-
lanus per religiosos ibidem commorantes Episcopo qui pro tempore fuerit
presentatus • ac per eundem admissus • de manu eiusdem curam animarum
suscipiat ac eidem de spiritualibus respondeat • Et per manus religiosorum
in dicta domo commorancium singulis annis centum solidos percipiet quibus
sit contentus eo quod nullum onus ordinarium sen extraordinarium sustine-
bit • Et quia in dubium reuocamus vtrum predictus capellanus ad predicta
onera implenda per se sufficiat necne • volumus et ordinamus quod predicti
religiosi alium ibidem inueniant capellanum in premissis et quolibet pre-
missorum capellanum antedictum coadiuuantem • et ad hec predicti religiosi
omnia onera ordinaria et extraordinaria que ad dictam vicariam pertinent
in perpetuum sustinebunt • Et ut hec omnia et singula supradicta rata et
firraa in perpetuum remaueant sigillum nostrum • vnacum sigillo capituli

' [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE PRIORY OF FYVIE. 195

nostri • et cum coramuni sigillo Abbatis et conuentus de Abirbrothoc •
presentibus est appensum • Datum apud Abirden • In Festo Sancti Luce
Euangiliste • anno gracie • m" • cc° • octogesimo Quinto •

Littera ordinandi Custodem Doraus de Fywy • ' (a. d. 1323.)

Venerabili patri in Christo ac domino • Domino Henrico Dei gracia Epis-
copo Aberdonensi • Frater Bernardus eiusdem permissione Abbas de
Abirbrothoc • Obedienciara et honorem cum salute perhenni • Paternitati
vestre notum facinius per presentes • Quod nos de consilio et expresso con-
sensu conuentus nostri commisimus curam et custodiam Domus nostri de
Fyvin vestre diocesis • quatinus ad nos in spiritualibus et temporalibus
spectare dinoscitur • dilecto socio et commonacho nostro • Domino Alber-
tino . exbibitori presencium litterarum . dominacioiiem vestram deuotis pre-
cibus exorantes quatinus eidem in omnibus dictam curam et custodiam tangen-
tibus exhibere velitis consilium graciam et fauorem • Valete • Datum apud
Abirbrothoc • in Festo Sancti Martini Episcopi • Anno gracie • millesimo

• ccc° • vicesimo tercio •

Littera Custodie Domus de Fywyn • ' (a. d. 1323.)

V niuersis Christi fidelibus ad quorum noticiam presentes littere peruene-
rint • Frater Bernardus permissione diuina Abbas de Abirbrothoc • Sa-
lutem in Domino sempiternam • Vniuersitati vestre notum facimus per
presentes quod nos [etc.'] concessimus curam et custodiam Domus nostre de
Fyvyn Aberdonensis diocesis • [etc.'] dilecto socio et commonacho nostro

• Domino Albertino • exbibitori presencium litterarum • Quare mandamus
omnibus parochianis nostris • et omnibus aliis quorum interest • quatinus
dicto Albertino tanquam Custodi dicte Domus sint intendentes et respon-
dentes • consulentes et auxiliantes precibus vestris et amore ■ In cuius rei
testimonium presentibus litteris sigillum officii nostri fecimus apponi • Da-
tum apud Aberbrothoc • Die Veneris in Festo Sancti Martini in hyeme

• Anno gracie • millesimo • ccc • xxiii" •

Executio breuis Domini Regis super terris de Ardlogy • ^ (a. d. 1325.)
Omnibus has litteras uisuris uel audituris Johannes Drymmyngis uicecomes

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS. Advocates' Library.]

2 [From the same.]

5 [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

196 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

de Abyrdeyn / ac locutntenens nobilis uiri Domini Alexandri Fraser came-
rarii Scocie • Salutem in Domino sempiternam • Noueritis nos die Lune
proxima post Festum Sancti Bartholomei Apostoli • anno gracie • mille-
simo • tricentesimo • uicesimo quinto • super moram iuxta parcum de
Fyvyn • recepisse breue Domini nostrl Regis super diuisis terre de Ardlogy /
que est religiosorum uirorum Abbatis et conuentus de Abyrbrothoc / et
parci Domini nostri Regis . in hec verba • Robertus Dei gracia Res
Scottorum • Alexandre Fraser militi caraerario suo dilecto et fideli seu
cuieunque uel quibuscunque locum suum tenente uel tenentibus . Salutem ■
Mandamus nobis et firmiter precipimus quatinus per probos et fideles ac
antiquiores homines patrie / et per quos rei ueritas melius sciri poterit /
recognosci faciatis rectas metas et diuisas inter terram de Ardlogi • que est
Abbatis et conuentus de Abyrbrothoc infra uicecomitatum de Abyrden / ex
parte una . et parcum nostrum de Fywyn / ex parte altera . Et si burgenses
nostri burgi de Fywyn habent aliquem statum / seu habere consueuerunt
tempore bone memorie Alexandri Regis Scocie ultimo defuncti / infra petariam
de Ardlogy que adiacet parco nostro predicto • et si statum habuerunt utrum
ex iure et debito uel ex gracia et suiferencia monachorum • Et sicut dicte
diuise iuste et secundum assisam terre recognite fuerint coram nobis / ita eas
de cetero firmiter faciatis obseruari • saluo iure burgensium nostrorum pre-
dictorum si quod recognitum fuerit coram uobis per dictam assissam . Teste
meipso apud Abyrbrothoc • tercio die Augusti • anno regni nostri Uicesi-
mo • Cuius breuis execucio talis est • Recognicio facta apud parcum de
Fywyn • die Lune proxima post Festum Sancti Bartholomei Apostoli • Anno
gracie • millesimo • tricentesimo • uicesimo quinto - super diuisis terre de
Ardlogy que est Abbatis et conuentus de Abyrbrothoc / ex parte una • et
parcum de Fywyn que est Domini nostri Regis / ex parte altera • In pre-
sencia uenerabilium patrum Dominorum Abbatum de Kylvynnyn et de
Deyr • nobilis uiri Domini Jacobi de Garuiach militis • discretorum uiro-
rum Magistrorum Valdeui Story officialis curie Abirdonensis • Reginaldi
Coners • Andree de Garuiach canoniconum eiusdem ecclesie Abirdonensis •
Magistri Andree Gallsych rectoris ecclesie de Slanys • ac multorum ali-
orum nobilium ibidem existencium • per tales iuratos subscriptos • uidili-
cet • Phillippum de Meldi-um • Reginaldum filium Alani • Reginaldum de
Vthach • Adam filium Adami • Jacobum de Culletnachi • Adam Tu-
rin • Hugonem de Lethindy • Reginaldum filium Valdeui • Ferchardum
filium Durdany • Matheum Parker • Jacobum Red • Rogerum filium Hu-
gonis • Thomam Procuratorem • Willelmum filium Alani • Rogerum

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE PRIORY OF FYVIE. 197

Magni • Johannem filium Michaelis • Willelmura Mykellls • Ferchardum
filium Duncani • Andream filium Valteri • Duncanum filium Tyoks • Jo-
annem Deuokis • et Valdeum Youngis • Qui iurati dicunt quod uirtute
sacramenti sui bene et fideliter ambulauerunt rectas metas et diuisas inter
dimidiam dauatam terre parci et terram de Ardlogy • Incipiendo ad inferio-
rem finem de le Modirsech qui uocatur Grennyss • et sic ambulando et
signa ponendo inter petariam de Ardlogy et petariam pertinentem ad par-
cum • quousque peruenerunt apud le Stanyfurd • Item predicti iurati
dicunt quod burgenses de Fywyn nullum statum habent nee habere con-
sueuerunt in petaria de Ardlogy nisi ex suiferencia monachorum • sed

in tempore Domini Reginaldi le Chen • dederunt denarium et

pro quolibet plaustratu petarum unum quadrantem • In quorum omnium
testimonium sigillum nostrum • una cum sigiUis dictorum Abbatum militis
et clericorum • presentibus est appensum • Datum • die • et loco • et
Anno supradictis •

De disciplina regulari seruanda per Custodem Domus de Fywyn • '
(a. d. 1325.)

Frater Bernardus permissione diuina Abbas de Abirbrothoc • dilecto
socio suo • Domino Albertino • custodi domus de Fyvyn • Salutem cum
benedictione paterna • Ne custodia discipline regularis apud te et socios
nostros / qui tecum commorantur / corrumpatur aut pereat • tibi precipi-
raus et mandamus in virtute sancte obediencie • quod tribus diebus per sep-
timanas singulas • videlicet • diebus Lune • Mercurii • et Veneris • cum
consociis tuis infra capellam capelle capitulum regulariter teneas et sociorum
tuorum excessus ordinate corrigas et reformes • cultum diuinum Dominicis
diebus et festiuis prout qualitas exigit cum nota iuxta posse solempniter
exequaris • ieiunia quoque indicia iuxta regulam et canonica instituta preci-
pue facias obseruari / nisi infirmitas cui non est imposita lex obsistat • Et
si quis sociorum ebriosus • claraosus • verbosus • inuentus fuerit / et tibi
rebellis et inobediens fuerit / ipsuni primo verbo salutis si poteris emendes •
alioquin per silenciura et ieiunium panis et aque in loco secrete extra
accessum secularium castigari procures • qui si sic emendatus non fuerit
ipsum ad Monasterium nostrum predictum transmittatis unacum causis
delictorum pro quibus fuerit sic mittendus • Et ut hec omnia liberius exe-

• [From the Registnun Recentius Cenobii de Abcrbrothoc, MS.]
2 c

198 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

quaris auctoritatem nostram per has litteras nostras patentes tibi com-
mittiraus in hac parte • Datum apud Abirbrothoc • die Lime in Festo
Sancti Martini in hyeme • anno gracie • millesimo • ccc° • xxv°

Litera ordinandi Custodem de Fywy per Abbatem •' (a. d. 1361.)
Willelmus permissioue diuina Abbas Monasterii de Abbirbrothoc dilecto
socio et commonacho nostro • Domino Johanni Sewir • Salutem cum bene-
dictione paterna • Meminisse debetis karissime quod in Festo Purificacionis
Beate Marie Virginis vltimo iam translato • in capitulo nostro apud Abbir-
brothoc • vos a cura et custodia domus nostre de Fywyn relaxauimus / et
Dominum Patricium de Firmatorio fecimus dicti loci Custodem • Quare
vobis mandamus et precipimus quatenus dicto Domino Patricio vniuersa et
singula bona dicti loci visis hiis litteris plenarie liberetis • facta inter ipsum
et vos indentura quadam sigillo suo et vestro altrinsecus consignata • et si-
cut sigillo Episcopi eciam si velitis / prout cum essetis apud nos velle facere
vos dixistis • Et hoc facto quam celerius poteritis ad nos apud Monaste-
rium professionis vestre personaliter accedatis • Datum patenter sub sigillo
nostro • Apud Abbirbrothoc • die Martis in Festo Sancti Petri in Cathe-
dra • anno gracie • millesimo • trecentesimo • sexagesimo Prime-

Custodia Prioratus de Fywy coneessa sub sigillo communi • ' (a. d. 1450.)

Vniuersis sancte matris ecclesie filiis ad quorum noticiam presentes litere
peruenerint / Ricardus permissione diuina Abbas Monasterij Sancti Thome
Martyris de Aberbrothoc et eiusdem loci conuentus ordinis Sancti Bene-
dicti Sancti Andree diocesis / eternam in Domino Salutem • Noueritis
vniuersitas vestra nos vnanimi consensu et assensu capituli nostri coUe-
gialiter congregati matura deliberacione prehabita / concessisse commisisse
et hoc presenti scripto assignasse religioso viro ■ Domino Malcolmo Bridy •
commonacho nostro • capellam de Fywy Aberdonensis diocesis nunc desti-
tutam per demissionem siue resignacionem commonachi nostri • Domini
Johannis de Sancto Andree vltimi administratoris eiusdem • cum omnibus
redditibus fructibus prouentibus et iustis pertineneiis pro tempore quoad
vixerit dictus Dominus Malcolmus / in vsus proprios et reformacionem dicte
capelle conuertendis ; super quibus conscienciam suam oneramus • pacifice
et qiiiete sic quod debite et honorifice predicte capelle in diuinis adminis-

' [From the Registruni Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— THE PRIORY OF FYVIE. 199

tretur imperpetuum • In cuius rei testimonium sigillura commune
capituli nostri est appensum • apud nostrum Monasterium • vicesimo
quinto • die mensis Marcij • anno Domini • millesimo • cccc° • quin-
quagesimo •

Assedacio annuorum reddituum communitati pertinencium Domino Mal-
colmo Bridy Priori de Fyve.' (a. d. 1454.)

Vniuersis pateat per presentes nos Ricardum permissione diuina Abbatem
monasterii Sancti Thome Martiris de Aberbrothoc / et eiusdem loci conuen-
tum / in dome capitulari eiusdem capitulariter congregates • cum communi
consensu et assensu dictorum Abbatis et conuentus / laboribus vexacionibus
periculis corporalibus et expensis consideratis et pensatis quos et quas
venerabilis pater noster • Dominus Malcomus Bridy / Prior de Fyve • pro
libertate utilitate honore commodo et recuperacione quorundam annuorum
reddituum et certarum terrarum nobis et monasterio nostro antedicto de
iure pertinencium / sustinet aut verisimiliter in futurum sustinebit / Pre-
dictos annuos redditus ac terras predictas prefato Malcomo confratri nos-
tro pro eorundem recuperacione et reductione ad monasterium nostrum
antedictum quoad viveret libere concedimus et donamus ■ Ita tamen quod
post decessum prefati Malcomi prefati annul redditus et terre ad magistrum
de communi dicti monasterii in communi distribuendi absque quacunque
contradictione obstaculo vel demanda libere reuertantur • Quorum annu-
orum reddituum et terrarum nomina inferius subsequuntur • Inprimis xij
denarios de Dune • Item in villa de Montros ij solidos • Item in le Xnox
xiij solidos et iiij den • Item in villa de Berwy vj solidos et viij den • Item in
villa de Colle iiij sol ■ Item in villa de Aberden xvij sol • Item in villa de
Kyncaldrum in Mernyss ij sol • Item in villa de Aucbneve vj solidos
et viij den • Item de Montbrey et Gamery iij solidos et iiij den • Item
de Vicaria de Tarwas quinque libras vj solidos et xviij den • Item de terra
ecclesiastica de Aberkirder quinque libras quam tenet Vicarius eiusdem •
Item in villa de Colane xx den • Item in villa de Banf ij sol . Item in
Kyntor ii sol • Item in Elgyn ij sol • Item de Forres et Nam iiij sol •
Item decimaiia alleca de Inuernes • Item decimam molendinorum eius-
dem ville • Item xl solidos de rotulo Paschali ville predicte • Item terram de
Bouch • Item xiij solidos et iiij denarios de terra de Ardlach in le Gariawcli •

1 [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

200 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Item annuum nostrum de Vres in le Merinyss • Item de Ffothneve xiij soli
dos et iiij den • Item de Park de Kelly vj solidos et viij denarios • Ac omnes
alios annuos redditus nobis et monasterio nostro pertinentes ac de iure de-
bitos in partibus ultraMontanis vbicunque consistentes / preter annuos red-
ditus de Banchory Devyne • et de Scottston • et Forglen • et Innerbundy /
Reddendo inde annuatim dictus Dominus Malcomus magistro de communi
monasterij antedicti qui pro tempore fuerit xxij solidos duodecim ciphos An-
glicanos • et decern petras casei sine obstaculo et demanda quibuscunque •
In cuius rei testimonium sigillum commune capituli nostri presentibus est
appensum Apud monasterium nostrum antedictum • octauo die mensis
Marcij • anno Domini • millesimo • cccCo • Quinquagesimo Tercio •

KINNETHMONT.

'Tis reported ther was a cell here, (where now Leithall stands,)
which was burnt down at the Reformation by one of the Leslies of
Balquhain. And perhaps this is that provostry of Killesmont
mentioned by Dr. M'Kenzie, (among the Scotish religious houses,)
in the appendix to his second volume.

CONVENTS AT ABERDEEN.

FRANCISCANS, OR GREY FRYARS.

The old conventual church being pulled down, there was a new
one built by Bishop Gavin Dunbar, and dedicated to the Virgin
Mary.

The buildings of this Friery having been given at the Refoi-ma-
tion to the toun of Aberdeen, they were, by them, bestowed on
Mareschal College ; and the conventual church is still called the
College Church.

Thomas Grey, last Prior here, died at Roan, A.D. m.dc.xvi.,
aged one hundred and thirty-seven years.*

* T. Dempster! Historia Ecclesiastica [Gent. Scot., t. i., p. 324: "Thomas Graids,
Aberdonensis, matre Eliza Dempstera ex tamilia Mureskia, nobili loco natus, vir sacris Uteris
et philosophicis instructissimus, ab ineunte aetate D. Francisci familiam ingressus, Aber-

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— COVENTS AT ABERDEEN. 201

In A. D. M.D.Lix., John Patrick, a Banf man, and Franciscan at
Aberdeen, fled over into the Netherlands, with eighty more of his
order, and wrote some books on that occasion. *

DOMINICANS, PREDICANTS, OR BLACK FRVARS.

Their convent was where now the grammar school of Aberdeen
stands, and was given them by King Alexander II., having formerly
been his own palace.

The Earl Marischal's family was buried in their church here ; and
so, it is likely, were benefactors to it.

At the Reformation it was given to that family, which, very soon
after, sold it to Anderson of Finzeach.

John Adam, or Adamson, the first who took the degree of
doctor in divinity in The King's College, a very eminent man,
was Prior here, during the government of Bishop Elphinstone, and
during that of Bishop Dunbar. Being provincial of his order, he

donensi coenobio praefuit, turn cum religio Catholica, proh nef'as ! e Scotia eliminaretiir, et
haereticorum furori viriliter restitit scribendo, docendo, disputando, egregiam causae piae na-
vaturus operam. Scripsit ' Admonitiones ad Novatores, lib. i. ; In uhiversam Aristotelis
Philosophiam, lib. i ; Concordiam D. Thomae ct Sooti, lib. i. : Epistolas ad Gives sues.
lib. i.' Quae audio omnia in lucem emitti : ipse certe sedulo ante obitum correxit singula,
ac disposuit ; ' In Libros Sententiarum, lib. iv.' Obiit Rothomagi, anno mdcxvi. aetatis
suae an. cxxxvu., vivace adhuc memoria, ac stomacho habili, nee visu inefficaci, nulla
corporis parte nisi pedibus, in tanto senio debilitatus." See D. Camerarii De Scotorvm
Fortitvdine, p. 201 ; G. Conaei De Dvplici Statv Religionis apvd Scotos, p. 172.]

* T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica [Gent. Scot., t. ii., p. 539: " Jo. Patbicius,
Banfiensis, Seraphico ordini se totum mancipavit Aberdoniae, post legitimos in bonis artibus
titulos, raaximamque nominis existimationem, pietatis praeconia certissima habiturus. ' Op.
time de Franscisc. relig. meritus,' ait Franc. Gonzaga, part. iii. de Orig. Serajih. Relig. pag.
D ccc xLvin. ' cum lxxx. fratribus sacerdotibus ex Scotia in Belgium trajecit, et pro
constante fidei confessione spontaneum exilium passus,' violatae majorum pietati eximium
testimonium perhibuit. Scripsit ' Sermones ad Fratres de Patientia Evangclica, lib. i.,'
MS. ut audio, Audomari et Tornaci; ' Summarium Legis divinae, lib. i. : Contra Haereses
nascentes, lib. i. ; Acta Disputationis suae, lib. i. ; De Missae Sacrificio, lib. i.' Exula-
vit anno mdlix. cum primum in ecclesias furens haeresis involavit; ubi obierit, non depre-
hendi."]

202 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

reformed it, after it was very much decayed.* I have seen a char-
ter of this Prior, dated A. D. m.d.iii., which he and thirteen more
of the convent do sign ; it has also the seal of the convent ap-
pended, which seems to be the figure of their patron saint.

Sir John Wight, the last Prior here, was, after the Refoi-mation,
entertained in the house of the abovenamed Anderson of Finzeach,
who had bought, as they are called. The Fryar Crofts. But the
son of this Anderson proving an idiot, his sisters, to make an
attonement for the sacriledge of their father, mortified out of those
crofts five hundred marks yearly, for twelve orphans, to be bred at
Aberdeen.

John Blak, a Dominican, after he bad made a good figure at
Aberdeen, both by his piety and learning, being dragged to Edin-
burgh, after a dispute with Willox, (wherein that preacher was
worsted,) was stoned in the streets by the rabble, the fifteenth of
December, or, as others say, the seventh of January,! ■ • • •

* H. Boetii Vitae Episco])orum Abredonensiuni, in Gulielmo Elphinstono, [ff. xxviii.,
xxix. See also, as to this learned and pious monk, H. Boetii Scot. Hist., lib. xiii., f. 284 ;
Mylni Vitae Episcoporum Dunkeldensium, p. 55. Edinb. 1831. 4to. ; J. Ferrerii Hist.
Abbat. de Kynlos, p. 80 ; T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., p.
37 ; t. ii., p 343.]

t Camerarii [De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. "202 : " Decembris 15 die. Beatus Joannes
Blak, ex praeclaro ordine Sancti Dominici, postquam Aberdoniae plurima pietatis et doc-
trinae argumenta exhibuisset, raptus Edinburgum, liaereticos omnes, et in his apostatani Vil-
loxium superauit, confudit ; ad vltimum, ab iisdem raptus in publicam plateam, lapidibus obru-
tus, gloriosum vitae finera sortitus est. Alii eius diem festuni reponunt ad septimum Januarii."

" Fb. Jo. Blak, Dominican! instituti socius, ut existimo, Aberdoniae monachum induit,
praeclarus Christi miles, ac invietus religionis Catholicae pancratiasta, irfepenti in Scotiam
haeresi viriliter obstitit, concionibus faeundissime eruditus populum din in tide retinuit, ac
tandem satagentibus Sathanae ministris, quam vivens pietatis integritatem professus erat,
moriens Edinburgi sanguine t'uso confirmavit. ' Orthodoxae veritatis propugnator strcnuis-
simus, intima eruditione praeditus,' inquit Leslaeus. Scripsit, ' Libros de reali Praesentia
Corporis Christi in Sacramento Altaris, lib. i. ; Acta Colloquii sui cum Willoxio symniista
suo, lib. i. ; Condones doctissime pias, lib. i. ; Monitorium ad Apostatas, lib. i.' Passus est
martyrium die vii. Januarii, anno m d lxii. De ejus constante professione Jo. Leslaeus,
lib. X., pag. DLxxvii." T. Dempsteri Hist. Eccles. Gentis Scot., t. i., p. 85.
See G. Conaci De Dvplici Statv Religionis apvd Scotos, p. 133 ; Sir James Balfour's
Annales, vol. i., p. 325. Edinb. 1824. 8vo. ; Wodrow's Biog. Collect., vol. i., p. 110.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— CONVENTS AT ABERDEEN. 203

CARMELITES, OR WHITE FRYARS.

Their convent, or church, (dedicated to Saint John,) stood at the
end of the Green, (wliere now the barn of one Gelly a maltster is,)
and must have been founded at least some time in the thirteenth
age ; for, about the year m.ccc. King Edward I. of England, among
the learned men he carried to Oxford out of Scotland, took four
doctors in divinity out of this convent.* These doctors may pos-
sibly have got their degree in Balliol College, ther being then no
other Scotish College either at home or abroad. '

TEMPLARS, OR RED FRYARS.

Their convent and church stood on the northwest corner of The
Castlegait, where now one Scot a shipmasters house is.

TRINITY FRIARS.

This convent having been formerly King William's palace, built by
him A.D. m.c.lxxxi., was given by that prince,* A.D. m.cc.xi., to the
two first fryars of this order who came into Scotland, being sent
hither by Pope Innocent III., who had confirmed that institution
this year.

* H. Boetii Scot. Hist., lib. xiv., f. 298. [See also T. Dempsteri Hist. Ecclesiast.
Gentis Scotorum, t. i., p. 107.]

' [" Richardus Oliphantus, nobilissimo loco ortus, Carmelitanae societatis gravissimus
theologus, in Patavino lyceo diu magna felicissimi ingenii laude raedicinae dedit operani ;
sed certiora cogitans immaculatae Virgini se addixit, et domum redux Aberdoniae monachuni
induit ; turn Romam ob res sui ordinis vocatus, ex itinere morbo Ticini decubuit, e quo
recreatus, sacram theologiam primus ordinis sui in eadem academia coepit profiteri, ingenti-
que concursu auditus est. Scripsit ' Lecturas scholasticas, lib. i. ; Commentaries sacros,
lib. I. ;' utrumque opus prodiit ex Veneta Junctarum ofBcina ; ' De Conciliis oecumenicis,
lib. 1.;' et alia. Florebat, anno mccclxiii, ut ex vita primo operi praefixa constat." T.
Dempsteri Hist. Ecclesiast. Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., p. 51-2']

• Boetii Scot. Hist., [f. 279 b.]

204 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

A. D. M.D.Lix., Francis , one of the fryars here, while

the monastry was a burning, was at first stabbed by the rabble, then
thrown down stairs, and, at last barbarously burnt, on the eighth of
December. * Camerarius, who calls the convent here monmierium
suum, which, he says, he was going to defend, seems to intimate
that he was Prior of it.

The conventual church here, called the Trinity Church, doth yet
stand, and what was the convent is now the Trades' Hospital.

• T. Dempster! Historia Ecclesiastica [Gent. Scot., t. i., p. 289 : "Martyr Fran-
ciscus, monachus SS. Trinitatis pro Redemptione Captivorum : cum haeretici Aberdon-
enses in monasteriuni suum furioso incendio debaccharentur, cum vellet salutis admonere,
primo visceribus transfixis, deinde per gradus corpore praecipitato, ad ultimum in ignem
multis confossum vulneribus injecerunt ; et sic innocens vir sanctus, eversae eliminataeque
pietatis testis verius quam vindex, vitam veritati reddidit, meliorem cum ea commutaturus.
Gilbertus Brunus. Passus est anno m d iix."] Camerarii De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, ad
Decemb. viiii. [, p. 201 . " Dec. i. et alij 8. die. Beatus Franciscus ordinis Sanctae Trini-
tatis monachus, haereticis irreuerentur et nefarie in monasterium suum Aberdonense irruen-
tibus obstare cupiens, vulneratus, per scalas detractus, donee eliso cerebro animam coelo red-
didit."

" Patricius, SS. Trinitatis monachus, natus Dornae in Sutherlandia, monasterii
Aberdonensis superior, cum sectarii omnia temerarent, jamque ipsum coenobium, t'erro
flammaque saevituri, demoliri appararent, concionaturus obviam processit ; sed illi qui Deum
contempserant, ipsumque verum cultum aboleverant, nequaquam sacerdotibus parcere decreve-
rant, verum eum scalis praecipitatum, eliso cerebro, interemerunt. Necabatur anno M d lix."
T. Dempsteri Hist. Ecclesiast. Gent. Scot., t. ii., p. 538.

" Georcius Innes, clarissimo sanguine ac innocentibus moribus, Aberdoniae mona-
chum induit, vixitque pie et sobrie sub regula SS. Trinitatis pro Redemptione Capti-
vorum, ordinis sui per Scotiam et Hiberniam provincialis. Scripsit ' Planctum super Terra
Sancta, lib. i. ; Descriptionem Hierusalem deformatae, lib. i. ; De Doloribus Mariae Vir-
ginis, lib. i. ; De Ordinis sui Fundatione, lib. i.' Vixit anno mcdxiv. Obiit extra
patriam." Id., t. ii., p. 383. Of this monk, probably the first native of Scotland raised to
the dignity of a Cardinal, a brief memoir, \\Titten by the reverend Dr. John Geddes, will be
found in the Archaeologia Scotica, vol. iii., pp. 130 — 133. There is a portrait of him, by
a Spanish artist, in the hall of the Society of the Antiquaries of Scotland.

" Eduardus Robinson, monachus S. Trinitatis de Redemptione Captivorum, Aber-
donense monasterium sancte rexit, cum bonas artes Lutetiae prius et didicisset feliciter,
et docuisset laboriose. Ejus sunt ' Exceptiones Sacrae Scripturae,' MSS. in eodem coeno-
bio, lib. I. Lugduni. Floruit anno Mccccxvn." T. Dempsteri Hist. Ecclesiast.
Gentis Scotorum, p, 57i?.]

RELIGIOUS HOUSES— CONVENTS AT BANF. 205

NUNS OF SAINT CATHARINE OF SIENNA, OR GRAY SISTERS.

This convent and church, (dedicated to their foundress,) stood on
what is yet called Saint Catharin's Hill, and are said to have been
built by The Constable of Aberdeen.

CONVENTS AT BANF.

FRANCISCANS.

J heir convent stood where is an

oratory lately built. Their church was dedicated to Saint John.

CARMELITES.

1 heir convent stood on Dovern, at Miln of Banf, in Banf parish.

Their rents were given by King James VI. to the King's Col-
lege of Aberdeen ; of whom Duff of Braco now holds these lands.

COLLEGIATE CHURCHES.

The three Collegiate Churches in this diocese were those of Saint
Nicholas, of Aberdeen ; Saint Mary, of CuUen ; and Saint Mary, in
The King's College.

THE CHURCH OF SAINT NICHOLAS OF ABERDEEN.

Saint Nicholas Church in Aberdeen hath eighteen hundred merks
yearly rent, and the seise boll, which is a boll of all grain, coal, and
salt, imported to this shoar by strangers, and half a boll from
townsmen. It is reckoned the finest parish church in Scotland ; '
and having its nave divided from its choir by a stone waU,^ since the

' [" St. Nicolas stately structure here doth stand,

No paroch church can match't in all the land," etc. Inscription
" within the old church, New Aberdeen, 1672," in Menteith's Theater of Mortality, pp.
130, 131., edit Glasg. 1834. 12mo.]
2 [See The Booke of the Universall Kirk of Scotland, p. 425. Edinb. 1839. 8vo.]
2 D

206

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Reformation, (which before was of wood,) it is now considered as
consisting of two chui-clies ; the nave, or body of the church, being
called the Old Church, (for its date is not to be found,) and the
choir, or chancel, (which is much later,) being called the New
Church.

The nave, then, of this church is sixty-six foot wide, one hundred
and seventeen foot long ; and has sixteen pillars, eight on each
side. It is well paved with stones, many of which being laid
over graves, have inscriptions ; and it is furnished with stalls
of oak.

It had also thirty one altars,' namely, those of :

Saint Nicholas

The Blessed Virgin Mary ; whereof

the cui-ate was chaplain
Saint Duthac
Holy Cross ; called in the Registrum

Chartarum, (where the chaplain is

mentioned,) The Brown Cross in

the Rood Loft
Saint Michael
Saint John, Evangelist
Saint Thomas
Saint George, martyr
Saint Peter ; founded by William

Blanch el
Saint Sebastian
Saint Kateran ; founded by Thomas

Chambers
Saint Stephen, protomartyr
Saint Leonard
Saint Clement
Saint Lawrance

Saint James, Apostle

Saint Andrew, Apostle ; founded by
John Mar

Saint Anne

Saint Salvator ; founded by the Hur-
rays

Saint Ninian ; founded by Irvine of
Drum, and so it seems in Drum's isle

Holy Blood

Saint [Laurence and Saint] Ninian ;
founded by 3Ieldrum of Fyvie

The Three Kings ; that is, the three
wise men who came to worship
our Saviour

Saint Barbara

Saint Eloy ; who was patron of the
smiths, and therefore in a.d. 1477
the hammermen here were made
patrons of his altar

Saint Crispin ; patron of the shoe-
makers

[See Kennedy's Annals of Aberdeen, vol. ii., pp. 13 — 38.]

COLLEGIATE CHURCHES— S. NICHOLAS' AT ABERDEEN. 207

Saint Christopher, martyr Name of Jesus; for, in the Registrum

Saint Peter ; founded by Thomas Chartarum, I find John Vans de-

Blanchel signed chaplain of the altar of the

The Blessed Virgin Mary, founded Name of Jesus, in Saint Nicholas

by [William] Leith of Barnes church here

Saint John, Baptist ; founded by the

Wrights and masons in this church,

whose patron he was

This church has at present six galleries, or, as we call them, here
in Scotland, lofts : namely, those of the magistrates, taken out of
the College church here, A. D. m.d.cc. ; the College, where is the
King's seat, and of old was the Rood Loft ; dyers ; hammermen ;
taylors ; weavers. It has thirty-three windows ; and three doors,
namely, the west, or King's-door ; the south, or marriage-door ;
and the north, or back-door.

Within it are eight hearses, and pented inscriptions from Scrip-
ture on the walls, with an iron chain hanging down from the
cieling, (having a globe at the end of it,) which serves for a meri-
dian line.

This fabrick, (being a cross church,) has also two isles ; which
isles are twenty foot broad, and, (taken together,) a hundred
foot long.

The one is that of the Irvins' of Drum. It is leaded, and has
the image and tomb of Sir Alexander Irvine of Drum, who dyed
A.D. M.cccc. Here, (as the inscription shews,) are buried Sir Alex-
ander Irvine of Drum, Auchindore, and Forglen ; and his wife
Elizabeth, (daughter to Sir Robert Keith, Marischal of Scotland,)
quho both dyed, A. D. M.cccc.

The other is that of the Collisons. This has the image and tomb
of CoUison, provest here.

In the two wings of the church, which run parallel with the
nave, are also some other old tombs : as of Alexander Chalmers of
MurthiU, provest of Aberdeen, quho dyed A.D. M.cccc.xiii., as the
inscription of his image here shews ; that of Gilbert Menzies of

208 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Pitfoddels, provest of Aberdeen, quho dyed A. D. m.cccc.xxxiii.
as the inscription of his image, and that of his wife, Marjory
Liddel, here shews ; that of John Fife, provest of Aberdeen, who
dyed A. D. m.cccc.xxxvi. ; besides that of Sir Robert Davidson,
provest here, killed at Harlaw, A. D. M.cccc.xi., which is in the
middle of the church, and much obscured.

The steeple, (which is a pyramide of many corners, beset with
four little pinnacles,) stands on four pillars, betwixt the two isles,
and has in it a great knock, and three bells. The bigest of these
bells was gifted, A. D. m.ccc.li., by William Leith, provost of
Aberdeen, quho had killed one Catanoch, a bailief here, (whose
cairn is near the bark-miln) ; and therfor, for an attonment, gave
this bell to the church, and the Justice-milns to the town. This
great bell, called Laurance, has this inscription :

" En ego campana sonitv non lavdo prophana
Lavdo Creatorem tonitrvs depello timorem
Defvnctos plango sonitv solennia pango
Laurencius ecce vocor jvbilanti cvm moveo cor"

This steeple, (reckoning from the groimd,) is above one hundred
and forty foot high. From the ground to the first globe, is one
hundred and twenty-eight foot ; and thence, to the top of the
weather cock, is fourteen foot.

The choier is sixty-four foot vnde, and eighty-one foot long ; and
has twelve pillars, six on each side. It is well paved, and has
good stalls and desks of oak. The high altar had an ascent of
four steps. The place where it stood is oval, twelve foot broad, and
eighteen foot long, with$.|6.^. on the top. This choier has,
at present, eight lofts ; namely, those of the grammar school ; seamen,
above which of old stood the organ-loft ; hammermen ; wrights ;
taylors ; shoemakers ; with the two new ones, that of the advo-
cates, and that built by the master of kirk-work. It has sixteen
windows, and two doors : within it are three hearses. It has also
a consistory and vestry.

COLLEGIATE CHURCHES— S. NICHOLAS AT ABERDEEN. 2(»9

This choir has underaeath it a chappel, dedicated to our Lady of
Pity, (Maria de Misericordia) ; where a burser of the canon law,
in The King's College, was always chaplain. It is now called
The Pitty Vault, and the plumners are allowed to melt their lead
in it.

To give something of the history of this choir :

It was begun to be built, A. D. m.cccc.lxxvii., by a general
contribution of the Bishop, abbot and prior [of Bon-Accord], provost
and other magistrates. For this end, the salmond, neat, swine, and
sheep, were taxed. Thus organs, lead, three hundred and eleven
stalls, and a beacon, were ordained to be provided, with two suits
of gold. So they went on in the building till A. D. m.d.xxxvii.,
and after.

But, A. D. M.D.LX., we meet with a new order. The magis-
trates, being now become reformers, appoint two hundred pounds
for their minister, Adam Heriot, (of whom see Spotswood,') with a
black gown, coat, and doublet, hose and bonnet ; and the Friar's
crofts are ordained to be applied to the town's profit. But Gilbert
Menzies and Gilbert Collison dissented.

A. D. M.D.LXii., the minister is discharged of his stipend, and
the Bishop, (as parson of Saint Nicholas,) left to sustain him.

A. D. M.D.Lxr., they appoint all the money collected for the
silver and brass work of the church, with the caps and ornaments,
to be employed for the use of the key-head, bridge of Don, and
artillery of the town.

The same year, the silver and brass work, with the caps and
ornaments, being, by order of these magistrates, exposed to sale in
a publick auction, and one hundred and forty two pounds Scots
being offered by Patrick Menzies for the caps, twenty-one shillings
for each ounce of silver, and sixteen shillings for each stone of
brass, the said Patrick Menzies is ordained to get them, and the

' [Abp. Spottiswoode's Hist, of the Church of Scotland, p. 274. See also Knox's His-
torie of the Church of Scotland, p. 239. Edinb. 1644. 4to.]

210 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

money to be employed to the necessary adoes of the town ; which
accordingly were delivered ; the silver amounting to sixteen score
ounces, and a quarter of ounce, of clean silver.

THE CHURCH OF SAINT MARY OF CULLEN.

This church was foimded by King Robert I. ; and his Queen, Eli-
zabeth's, bowells are here buried.

It had a provost, six prebends, and two singing boys, founded by
Alexander Ogilvy of That Ilk, (predecessor of the Earl of Finla-
ter) ; Mr. Alexander Dick, archdeacon of Glasgow ; John Duff of
Maldovat, (predecessor to Duff of Brako) ; with all the magistrates
of CuUen, A. D. m.d.xliii. This foundation was confirmed by
William, bishop of Aberdeen, the same year ; and by John, Arch-
bishop of Saint Andrew's, and legate a latere, A. D. m.d.lii. Yet
Bishop Leslie, writing in A.D. M.D.Lxxviii., and speaking of
CuUen, says, in quo ecclesia collegiata antiquitus floruit*

Each of the prebends was to have twenty merks yearly, in lands
and mony, together with an apartment and garden. For this end
they had several crofts alloted them in the town, together with the
vicarage of Rethven, with all the priviledges belonging to the
burghers of CuUen.

THE CHURCH OF SAINT MARY, IN THE KING'S COLLEGE.

This church was consecrated by Edward, bishop of Orkney. It
had eight priests, or vicars choral, belonging to it, and six singing
boys, t

Bishop Elphinstone gave to this church fifteen suits of priestly
vestments, of cloth of gold, and twenty-eight, of velvet ; seven, of
flowi'ed silk ; twenty vestments for the singing boys, of silk, flowred
and striped ; with many more, of scarlet and striped silk ; a cru-
cifix ; two candlesticks ; two censers ; an incense box ; six vials,

• Historia Scotiae, edit, secund., p. 28.
t Boctius in vita Gulielmi Elphinstoiii [Aberd. Episcop. Vit. f. xxix.]

UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN. 211

and eight chalices ; a textuary ; two vessels for carrying the host,
one of them, two cubits high, of exquisite workmanship ; a bason
and ewer ; a holy water pot, and sprinkler, all either of silver or
gold ; coverings for the altar, of embroidered silk, and of lawn done
over with silk flours ; a cypress chest, set with stones and pearls,
for relicts.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN.

The church of Saint Mary, of the King's College, had eight
priests, (called vicars choral in the Registrum Chartarum,) and six
singing boys.

[Aberdoniae, et Aberdonensis Academiae, Descriptio. '
Aberdonensis, ab Aberdonia ciuitate, nomen sortita est. Ciuitas duplex
est ; situs amoenitate ac aeris salubritate nulli secunda ; Episcopatu Cele-
bris ; salmonura captura vberrima, portu nauali peropportuna, mao'na ci-
uium frequentia nobilis ; inter duos fluuios nauigabiles, Donara et Deam,
posita : vnde illi nomen, (Abhir,) enim, prisco idioiuate Scotico, significat,
(prope) ; vt Abbirgeldi, Abbirbrotb, Abbirdour, Abbircorn. Nolo huius
Academiae ortum, ad proximum post euictam Troiam saeculum. referre, vt
ridicule Oxoniensis Academiae ortum referunt quidam Angli ; cuius tamen
fundatorem, sequenti capita, ostendemus fuisse loannera Scotum. Sufficiet,
ergo, ad Alexandri Scotorum Regis tempora referre : is, enim, sub annum
Domini ji.cc.xl., multis magnisque illam priuilegijs ornauit. Quibusdam
antiquior visa est ; sed quod diximus, est verissimum. Ante, enim, Alexan-
drum, non nisi scholae nomen obtinebat, aut merito obtinere poterat ; cum ad
Academiae, seu Vniuersitatis, appellationem requiratur, vt iam suppono,

1 [FromD. CamerariiDe Scotorvm Fortitvdine, pp. 56 — 59. Paris. 1631. The reader
will scarcely need to be warned of the amusing exaggerations of this fanciful account.
Chalmers, Dempster, and too many others of our countrymen, would occupy a very conspi-
cuous place in that chapter of a ' History of Literary Impostures,' which should treat of ' im-
positions for the supposed honour of the writer's native land.' Mr. D' Israeli, in his pleasing
but inaccurate Curiosities of Literature, has a brief paper on ' Literary Impostures,' (pp.
47—49. edit. Lond. 1838. 8vo) ; and a work by Menckenius ' De Charlatancria Erudito-
rum,' published at Leipsic in 1715, has gone through several editions, although D'Alembert
has justly said of it " ou ne saurait faire un plus mauvais livre avee un meilleur titre,"]

212 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

scientiarum omnium quae in Academijs doceri solent, publica professio :
quam, tamen, in Abbirdonia, ante Alexandri Regis tempora non fuisse penitus
reperiet. Ab eo autem tempore, quantopere floruerint litterarum studia,
quantusque ex omni parte, ad earn, tanquam ad virtutis doctrinaeque cele-
berrimum emporium, concursus semper factus f'uerit, difficile est dicere.
Se.r Collegia Habet hasc Academia, Collegia varia, et quidem specie magnifiea :
inVmversiiate numerantur, omnino, sex. Primum est Collegium Regiura ; augustis-

Abhirdotiensi. . . \. , ■ i ..... .,

simum, si labricam spectes, opulentum, si diuitias consideres, vt vere
Regium dici possit. Eius fundator fuit Beatus Guilielmus Elphin-
stonus, eiusdem ciuitatis Episcopus, vir rarae admodum pietatis ; qui, in
aquoso loco, profundissimis iactis fundamentis, summis sumptibus, illud
extrui curauit ; in eoque, pro duodecim Bursarijs, (qui numerus hoc
nostro tempore duplicatus est,) alendis redditus rite assignauit. Tegi-
tur hoc Collegium, omni ex parte, plumbo : in eiusque angulis quatuor
assurgunt praecelsae turres ; in quarum vna, quatuor supra viginti nu-
merabis campanas, summa cum audientium voluptate, singulis quadran-
tibus, ac medijs horis, musice pulsantes. In hoc CoUegio leguntur
Philosophia, Theologia, ac litterae illae quae Humaniores dici solent ;
et, quidem, Philosophia ac Humaniores literae, non sine aliqua laude ;
quamuis frigeat, hoc nostro tempore, deformata nouatorum Theolo-
gia. Instructum erat olim hoc Collegium praeclarissima Bibliotheca ;
sed, (quod dolendum est,) cum, haeresi furenti, religiosa omnia pro-
fanata sint, et ilia etiam a Sathanae ministellis, partira combusta, par-
tim in cloacas iniecta cernitur. Nimirum verebantur noctuae praeclarum
diem, hoc est, Sanctorum Patrum incorruptam doctrinam, qua noua ip-
sorum portenta, luce clarius, erroris atque insaniae conuincuntur.

Huius Collegii disciplina ac ordo mirabilis est ; nam, ad horam quintam
matutinam, signo ad surgendum dato, si hyems sit, ad Professorum et
Philosophorum cubicula, lumen ab vno ad id deputato defertur ; qui, tamen,
ne quietem eorum, quibus facultas data est vlterius quiescendi, perturbet,
quaerit num velint lumen. " Vultis" inquit, " lumen?" Cui si respondeant
" Ingrediatur," ingreditur : sin minus, recedit. Si aestas, pulsatur vniuscu-
iusque ostium ab eodem clamante, " Surgite " : exacto delude certo tempore,
vnus ex Philosophiae Professoribus, (per vices enim hoc munus obeunt,) qui
Hebdomadarius dici solet, omnium cubicula visitat, vt an surgant perspi-
ciat. Hora deinde sexta, omnes scholas, praemisso campanae signo, ingre-
diuntur, in eisque lectionibus suis vsque ad octauam, operam nauant. Turn

THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN. 213

vero, signo dato, omnes in templum, Deum oraturi, conueniunt ; et ne
quisquam desit, eorum omnium nomina a Censore citantur : cui ipsorum
nomen inclamanti, nisi respondeant, " Adsum,'' vt absentes notantur, postea
puniendi. Oratione finita, vsque ad nonam in scholas suas redeunt ; qua
data, ientatum dimittuntur, vsque ad decimara. Turn, vero, signo carapanae
in scholas rursum reuocantur, vsque ad vndecimam ; qua elapsa, omnes cum
suis magistris in scholam seu communem dictam conueniunt, in qua cuique
scholae suus locus est rite assignatus. Ibi disputando inter se ad duodeci-
raam, tempus terunt ; Professoribus interim in medio simul deambulantibus :
ac ne quis impune ab hac schola, vt nee a priuata, absit, statim post inores-
sum, a Censore omnium nomina citantur, vt antea dictum est. Data duode-
cima, domum quisque prandij causa, (nisi sint in ipso CoUegio conuictores
vel Bursarij, quibus Collegio sine venia exire non licet,) petit ; neque in
scholas ante secundam vsque redeunt. A secunda vsque ad sesquiquintam,
in suis quique manent scholis. Deinde, praemisso campanae signo, omnes
cum suis Professoribus, in Collegij templum, Deum oraturi, conueniunt ;
ante orationem, omnium nominibus, vt mane, a Censore citatis. Finita
oratione, coenatum domum reuertuntur. Octaua deinde hora, rursus mo-
nentur Philosophi, vt se in Collegium conferant, hora nona cubitum ituri.
Post nonam, ab vno ex Professoribus, vt mane, visitantur omnium cubi-
cula, ne vUus extra Collegium, non obtenta facultate, pernoctet. Diebus
Sabbathi disputationes publicae habentur, neque vnquam nisi graues ob
causas omittuntur. Ter in septimana vacant ; verum non tota die, sed a
prandio tantum ; sed nee eo tempore licet quo velint diuertere : nam in
locum publicum ludo deputatum, ab vno ex Professoribus, prius omnium
nominibus a Censore citatis, deducuntur ; ibique, rursus ijsdem nominibus
citatis, post aliquot horarum spatium, in scholas deducuntur. Quatuor
annos in Collegio insumunt : tertio, Bacchalaureatus ; quarto, Licentiatus, ac
Magisterij Artium gradus, post varias concertationes, tum priuatas, turn
publicas, aliasque varias solemnitates, adipiscuntur. Tanta est autem ce-
lebritas in creandis artium Magistris et Doctoribus, vt ex varijs regni
partibus confluant, non modo docti, sed etiam indocti ; per biduum, ad mini-
mum, celebratur, habenturque in ea orationes tanto ornatu, vt omni ora-
tionis flore expolitae, lectiones item multiplici eruditione refertae, vt
omnem fidem exsuperet, nee facile ab ijs qui oculis non conspexerunt
credi possit.

214 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Secvndvm CoUegivm, et huic proximum, si situm spectes, est Medico-
rum ; in quo medicina ab eiusdem Professoribus legebatur.

Tertivm, vbi saeri Canones docebantur, opere sane magnifieum et ad
studentium vtilitatem, si loci amoenitatem spectes, conuenientissimum.

Qvartvm, in quo lurisconsulti leges profitebantur.

Qvintvm, in noua ciuitate a Comite Marescallo nouissime fundatum, eo
in loco in quo olim fuit Franciscanorum Monasterium.

Sextvm in eadem ciuitate, in quo tantum Humaniores literae docentur.

Et haec de Vniuersitate Abbirdonensi.]

ECCLESIASTIC DIVISIONS.

I. THE FIRST ECCLESIASTIC DIVISION OF THIS DIOCESE.*

The Roll of Bagimont, ' whence this list is taken, Bishop Lesley
seems to make no older than King James IV. ;^ for in his history
of that Prince, at the year m.d.xii., he has these words : " Hoc
tempore synodus provincialis Episcoporum, Abbatum, reliquorum-
que ecclesiasticorum, Edinburgi in Coenobio Dominicano, presents
Pontificis nuntio, Bajomano dicto, celebratur. In qua communi
omnium voce, etsi repugnantibus multorum voluntatibus, fuerat
fixum, ut omnia sacerdotia quorum reditus quadragenas libras
excederent, Papae pensionem, decimarum ac diplomatum nomine,
numerarent ; Regique pro ejus arbitratu, cum necessitas premeret,

* From Bagimont's Roll.

' [' Bagimont's Taxt Roll of Benefices within the Kingdom of Scotland' is printed in the
Archaeologia, vol. xvii., pp. 232 — 253. Lond. 1814. 4to., from Habakuk Bisset's Rol-
ment of Courtis,' a manuscript in the Advocates' Library at Edinburgh. Bisset, in a
brief preface, writes : " This extract following wes fund be the Provinciall of the Quhite or
Carmelat Freiris of Abirdene, callit Dene Johne Christesonc, the Principall Provynciall of
the said Freiris and of Scotland for the tyme, and was dowbled or copied be ane chaiplane
of Auld Abirdene called Doctoure Roust." Bisset's copy, said to be the only one now
extant, bears this title : " Taxatio beneficiorum preter prelacias Scotie in decima parte
eorundem."]

' [" This copy of Bagimont's roll cannot be considered older than the reign of James
v., wherein it was found." Chalmers' Caledonia, vol. i., pp. 688—690. Lond. 1807. 4to.]

BAJIMONT'S ROLL OF BENEFICES.

215

pecuniam quantamcuaque penderent. Hie census in banc usque
diem Bajomanus dicitur.'"

This is the first ecclesiastic division of this diocese, being the
eldest, I have found ; and used, as it seems, before the diocese was
divided into Deanries. Yet, perhaps, it is no older than the ponti-
ficate of Bishop Ingram Lindsay, by whom Rathven and Monimusk
were, in A. D. M.cccc.XLV., added to the college of chanons ; both
these churches being here reckoned among those of the chapter,
which perhaps here was nothing else but that college. But how
the number of the churches in this diocese comes to be so small in
this list, I yet know not.^ Nota bene. Rathven and Monimusk might
have been taxed in Bagimont's Roll, and only listed among those
intra ecclesiam, by the later copies of it.

ABIRDONENSIS DIOCESIS,

(Here are first reckoned the churches, (in eccksid, as they are
sometimes called in this roll,) which belonged to the Cathedral, and
were of the chapter.)

Capitulum Abirdonense.

Decanatus

xxiiij lib.

Murthlak . .

ix lib. vj s. viij d.

Precentoria .

. viij lib.

Forbes . .

. iij lib. vj s. viij d.

Cancellaria

ix lib. vj s. viij d.

Lynmaij . .

iiij lib.

Thesauraria

. viij lib.

Phillorth .

. V lib. vj s. viij d.

Archidiacouatus xiij lib. vj s. viij d.

Clatt . . .

v lib. vj s. viij d.

Kynkell . .

xl lib.

Caldstane .

. iiij lib.

Kyncarden .

. xxvj lib. xiij s. iiij d.

Inuernochtie .

vj lib. xiij s. iiij d.

Oyne . . .

viij lib.

Crechmound

. iiij lib.

Banchorie .

. viij lib.

Crowden . .

viij lib.

Balhelwie . .

ix lib. vj s. viij d.

Turreff . .

. XX lib.

Monymusk .

. X lib.

Methlik . .

vj lib. xiij s. iiij d.

' [Joan. Leslaei De Rebus Gestis Scotorum, p. 341.]

2 [The author seems to have overlooked the circumstance, that many churches, not enu-
merated by name, were included under the head of " ecclesie communes capituli Abirdon-
enais.'"]

216 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Abirdoure . . vlij lib. Ecclesie cotn-

Tillienessil . iij lib. vj s. viij d. munes capituH

Rathven . . . xvj lib. Abirdonensis xxvj lib. xiij s. iiij d.

Summa decimarum capituli Abirdonensis cum ecclesijs communibus •
ijc Ixxxxv lib. vj s. viij d.

Extra Ecclesiam Abirdonensem,

(that is, churches wliich were not annexed to the Cathedral, and

so belonged not to the chapter.)

Rectoria de Auchin- Vicaria de Banf . iij lib. vj s. viij d.

doir .... V lib. vj s. viij d. Vicaria de Gemrie . . Iiij s. iiij d.

Vicaria de Tarves vj lib. xiij s. iiij d. Vicaria de Tyrie . . . Iiij s. iiij d.

Vicaria de Pettirvgy . v lib. Vicaria de Cowl . . iiij lib.

Vicaria de Innerowrie . Iiij s. iiij d. Vicaria de Oboyne . . iiij lib.

Vicaria de Logymar . Iiij s. iiij d. Vicaria de Ferigge, (or

Vicaria de Insche . . . Iiij s. iiij d. Forge) Iiij s. iiij d.

Vicaria de Petir Culter . Iiij s. iiij d. Vicaria de Drumglay, (that

Vicaria de Kyncardin . Iiij s. iiij d. is Drumblait, which of old

Vicaria de Bauchorie . Iiij s. iiij d. had that name) . . . iiij lib.

Summa decimarum extra ecclesiam Abirdonensem . Ivj lib. vj s. viij d.

Summa totalis decimarum Abirdonensis diocesis . iij" li lib. xiij s. iiij d.

II. THE SECOND ECCLESIASTIC DIVISION OF THIS DIOCESE.*

The second ecclesiastic division of this diocese, (used a little befor
the Reformation,) was into these five ' Deanries :

I. Mar, IV. The Garioch,

II. Buchan, V. Aberdeen.

III. Boyne,
In this second division, those churches, whose patronages belonged
to convents, have the names of the convents here added to them :
whereby it appears that ten of these belonged to Aberbi-othock ; nine

* From the Cliartulary of Aberdeen.

' [A more ancient division of the diocese into three Deanries, those of Mar, Buchan,
and The Garioch, will be found below, pp. 218—222.]

ITS FIVE DEANERIES.

217

to Lindoris ; four to Monimusk ; four to the Knights Templars ; four
to Deer ; three to Saint Andrews ; one to Scone ; one to Cupar
in Angus ; one to Kelso ; and one to Kinloss in Murray.

I. DEANERY OF MAR.

1. Kindrochet, (Monimusk.)
[2. Crathie.]

3. Kinmuck, perhaps Gleumuck.

4. Aboyn, vicarage, (Knights

Templars), and TuUinathlak,
(Knights Templars.)

5. Brass.

6. Kincardin, vicarage and rectory.

7. Kinerny, (Aberbrothock.)

8. TuUuch, or Tough.

9. Keig, (Monimusk.)

10. Alford, (Monimusk.)

1 1 . Lochel, (Monimusk.)

12. Cushny.
1.3. Forbes.
14. Kildrummy.

Tarlan, (St. Andrews), and
Migvie, (St. Andrews.)

II. DEANERY OF BUCHAN.

Auchindore.

Kinbethock, or Towie.

Invernochty, or Strathdon.

Coldstane.

Cowl, vicarage, (Aberbro-
thock.)

Keirn.

Dummeth ; see Murthlack.

Clova; see Kildrummy.

Logy Rothven, supposed to be
Logy in Mar, vicarage.

Midmar.

Cluny.

Fetterneir ; see Logy Durno.

28. Lumfannan.

29. Murthlac.
[30. Monimusk.]

Foveran, (Deer.)

Logy Buchan ; now Buchan of
Auchmacoy.

Ellon, (Kinloss.)

Furvie, now overblown with
sands ; (formerly the Knights
Templars,) now the King's
College.

Slaines ; now the King's Col-
lege.

Crudan.

Inverugy Petri, or Peterhead,
vicarage, (Deer.)

Longley, or Saint Fergus, (Aber-

brothock) ; now the Earl Ma-
rishal.
9. Rathin.

10. Crimond, or Rattray.

11. Longmay ; now Eraser of Lon-

may.

12. Philorth, now called Frasers-

hurgh.

13. Deer, (Deer.)

14. Fyvie, (Aberbrothock.)
Methlick ; now the King's Col-
lege.

Tarves,vicarage,( Aberbrothock.)
Bethelny, (Aberbrothock.)

218

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

HI. DEANERY OF THE BOYNE.

I. Aberdour.

7. Turrif.

2. Tyrie.

8. Rathvin and Forscan, now Faskin

3. Gamry, vicarage, (Aberbro-

Chappel.

thock.)

9. Alveth, now Alvah, (Cupar.)

4. Banf, vicarage, (Aberbrothock.)

10. Fordyce, CuUan, and TuUy-

[5. Forglen.]

whuU.

6. Kingedward (Deer.)

11. Munbre.

IV. DEANERY 01

■ THE GARIOCH.

1. Fintray, (Lindoris.)

11. Culsamond, (Lindoris.)

2. Kinkell, (Knights Templars.)

12. Insch, vicarage, (Lindoris.)

3. Bourtie, vicarage, (St. Andrews.)

13. Lesley, (Lindoris.)

4. Inverury, vicarage, (Lindoris.)

14. Rochmuriel, or Christ's Kirk ;

5. Daviot.

see Kinnethmont (Lindoris.)

(j. Auchterless.

15. Kinnethmont, vicarage and rec-

7. Forgue, vicarage, ( Aberbrothock.)

tory, (Lindoris.)

8. Durno, or Logy Durno, (Lin-

16. Clatt.

doris.)

17. Tullinessil.

9. Oyne.

[18. Rayne.]

10. Premnay, (Lindoris.)

V. DEANERY OF ABERDEEN.

1. Balhelvy.

4. Banchory Terny, vicarage, (Aber-

2. Banchory-Devinik.

brothock.)

3. Culter, that is Peter Culter, vic-

5. Echt, (Scone.)

arage, ( Kelso, )confirmed there-

6. Saint Macar's.

to by Gilbert Sterling, Bishop

7. Saint Nicholas.

of Aberdeen.

8. Dalmayok.

[Taxacio ecclesiarum et beneficiorum per Episcopatum Aberdonensem ■ '

Incipiunt taxaciones ecclesiarum et beneficiorum ecclesiasticorum Aberdo-
nensis dyocesis distincte per Decantus

' [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, pp. 355—360 ; collated with two
copies, one in the Chartulary of Aberdeen, the other in the Chartulary of Arbroath. The
copy in the Register of S. Andrews is ascertained to have been engrossed there before
the year 1413. The Taxatio itself may, perhaps, be assigned to the same era as that of
the new extent, the year 1366. The copy in the Arbroath Chartulary refers to the valua-

DEANERIES— VALUATION OF BENEFICES.

219

Et primo per Decanatum de Marr
Kyndrouchit iij marce cum dimidia Cussheny .
Creychyn . . vij marce

Kynmuk . . • xij marce
Obeyn et Tulynathelath

per garbas . . xsvj marce

per vicariam seu alteragium iiij ma.
Brass per garbas . xij marce

per vicariam . . xij marce
Kyncardyn Onel . . xxij marce

IX marce
viij marce
viij marce
vij marce

XX marce

Lunfanan
Forbeys
Kyndrummy .
Taruelun et Migueth

indo vicarius percipit vj mar. viij s.

X d. ij partes den.

et rector percipit xiij mar. v s. vd.

et terciam partem den.

et terra ecclesiastica xxx marce

Clouetb . iij

marce et dimidia

Bancory Tarnyn per garbas xj mar.

Dauacbindor

xij marce

per alteragium . . v marce

Murthelacb .

. xxx marce

de quibus Abbas percipit x marcas

Dunmeth

iiij marce

et per terram Abbatis ix marce

Kynbetboc

Eycht . . . xvj marce

per garbas . xij

marce et dimidia

de quibus Abbas percipit x marcas

per vicariam

vj marce

Kinernyn per garbas . iiij marce

Inuernoctbyn

xij marce

per vicariam . . ij marce

Colessen

. xij marce

de quibus Abbas percipit iiij marcas

Logyn Rothuen

xiiij marce

Migmarr . . • vj marce

Cule per garbas .

. ix mar. et dim.

Clony . viij marce et dimidia

per vicariam

. iiij marce

Tulyuucb . . iiij marce

de quibus Abbas

percipit ix mar.

Keg • . . . X marce

Keryn

iij marce

Afford . . . xviij marce

Fethyrner . iij

marce et dimidia

Loychel . . . x marce

de quibus vicarius percipit iiij mar.
Summa huius Decanatus

ij" • Ixxx • libre

Decanatus de Bouchan ■

Balheluy
Fouerne

xxxvij marce
. xliij marce

Logyn .
Elone

xviij marce

per vicariam .

XX marce

per rectorem
Furuine

. Ivj marce
vj marce

Slanys . . . xvij marce
per terras eiusdem ij mar. cum dim.

Croudan . . xxxiiij marce

Inuerogin Petri

per rectorem . . xvij marce
per vicariam . . xv marce

220

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Lungle

per garbas . . xxxvj marce
per vicariam . . xv marce
per terras eiusdem . iiij marce

Retref que et vocatur Crech-
mound .

Lunrae

Rathyn .

Deer

Abirdoure

Tyrin .

Fylorth

Gameryn
per monachos
per vicariam
de quibus Abbas percipit xx marcas

Baraf

per garbas . . xl marce
per vicariam . . xxv marce
set inde percipit Abbas xv marcas

Fortheys . . Ix marce

Summa huius Decanatus • v'f ■
• iiij •

Forglen . . • "j marce
et per terram Abbatis . j marca

XX marce

. XV marce

xxiiij marce

. liiij marce

xviij marce

vj marce

xxiiij marce

XX marce
X marce

Ivj marce et x solidi

XXX marce

Ix marce

lij marce
per terras ecclesie ix mar et dim.
et per vicariam . xx marce

Methelech . . . xl marce

Taruayis
per garbas et terras eccle-

Alueth
Kynedor .
Toruereth
Fyuyn
per

sie . . xliij marce

et per vicariam . xxij marce
Butheleney

per garbas . xxviij marce

per vicariam . . v marce

Rotbvan et Forscain . xxij marce
Inuerbondyn . iij marce et dimidia

Munbre . . . ij marce

TulywhuU . . . nicbil

libre • ixxxix • libre • xiij • solidi
denarii •

Decanatus de

Fintreth per vicariam . x marce

per garbas xx celdre farlne et

ij marce et dim.

Kynkel cum capellis . Ixxxx marce

de quibus Fratres de Tor-

fechyn recipiunt . xxx marcas

Bouyrdyn . . xxx marce

et per terram ecclesie iiij marce

inde vicarius . x marcas x solidos

Inueroury

per vicariam . . xvij marce

per garbas eiusdem xxv celdre fa-

rine ix marce et x solidi

Garuiach •
Dauyet
Durnagh

per vicariam

per garbas . xxx

Ouchtirlys

per terras et garbas

et per alteragium
Ouyn
Prameth

per vicariam .

per garbas

xxnij marce

XX marce
celdre farine
et xj marce

xxvj marce

et dimidia

X marce

xxx marce

iiij marce
xvj marce

DEANERIES— VALUATION OF BENEFICES.

221

Culsamuel
per vicariara . . vj marce
per tjarbas . xxvj. mar et dim

Inchmacbany que et Insula
vocatur • per vicariam vj marce
per garbas . sxij mar et xj solidi
porcio Domini Jordani viij marce

Ratmuryel

per vicariam . iij marce

per garbas . ix marce et dimidia

Kynalcmund
per vicariara . . vj marce

per garbas . xiiij marce

Lescelyn
per vicariam . . iij marce
per garbas . . xv marce

Clatt .... xvj marce

Tulynestyn . . xx marce

Summa huius Decanatus • i

Ran

per terram et garbas xxxiij marce

per alteragium . viij marce

per bracinam . dimidia marce
Ecclesia Cathedralis Beati Ma-

chorii Abirdonensis . Ix marce
Ecclesia Beati Nicholai de

Abirden . . xl marce

Porcio Cancelarii in piscariis xij mar.
Foerg . . . XXX marce

Bencory Deuenyk . xx marce
Cultyr

per garbas et vicariam xviij marce
Dalraayok . . • ^j marce

Munimusc . . xxx marce

Terra Archidiaconi et Magis-

tri Andree . . xx marce

ij- • Ixxxxviij
celdre farine •

libre • j • solidus . etj'^- V'

Taxaciones garbarum et terrarum ecclesiarum contingencium Abbatem de
Lundors •
xxij marce xj solidi Durnagh xx celdre ferine xi marce

Incbmacbany
Prameth
Rathmuryel
Coulsamuel

XVJ marce
ix marce et dimidia

Fyntray

XX celdre farine ij marce
et dimidia

XXVJ marce
Inueroury xxv celdre farine ix marce
X solidi

Kinalcmund

xuij marce

Summa • Ixxiiij • libre • j • solidus • et • Ixv • celdre farine

Taxaciones terrarum Abbatis de Lundoris •

Deporcione Domini Jordani viij mar.
De parocbia de Fyntrith Ixij marce
De Munkegy . . iiij marce
De Durnagh . vj marce

De Noua Villa . . vj marce

De molendino . . c solidi

De Culsamuel et Tulmorgund ixmar.
De Warngham . . vij. marce
De Lethgauyn vj marce x solidi
De molendino . xij marce

222

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

De bracina . . x. solidi De bracina eiusdem . xviij solid!

De Rathmuryel Iviij solidi iiij den. De Edelard . . . j marca

Suinma • Ixxxx • libra • viij • solidi • viij • denarii •

SUMMA SUMMARUM TAXACIONUM ECCLESIARUM ET BENEFICIORUM EpiS-

coPATUs Aberdonensis . . . . m • cccc • Ij libre • et xiiij solidi •
iiij denarii • et j"^ • v • celdre farine • ]

III. THE THIRD ECCLESIASTIC DIVISION.
The third ecclesiastic division of this diocese is that used since
the Reformation, by Presbyteries' ; which is here set down,

1 [For several years after the Reformation, the ancient ecclesiastical division of the king-
dom into dioceses, seems in some instances to have been so far retained ; but the civil divi-
sions of shires, or lesser districts, were more generally adopted. The earliest record which
has been preserved of the arrangements of the reformed kirk is " The Registre of Ministers
and thair stipendis sen the yeir of God, 1367." This document, so far as it relates to the
diocese of Aberdeen, will be found below (pp. 226, 231.)

The institution of presbyteries appears to have been first undertaken in the general
assembly of the kirk which met at Glasgow in April, 1581. It seems to have been then
proposed that the diocese of Aberdeen should be divided into two provincial synods ; that
of " Bamf," containing the presbytries of " Baraff, Deare, Kildrimmie ;" and that of Aber-
dene, comprehending the presbytries of " Aberdene, Innerourie, and Kyncardin Oncil." (The
Booke of the Universall Kirk, pp. 212, 213; Row's Historic of the Kirk of Scotland, p.
84. Edinb. 1842. 8vo.) But this scheme does not appear to have taken effect at that
time : it was not until the year 1586, that the divisions of presbyteries were fully established.
The general assembly of the kirk which met at Edinburgh in that year, framed an " estate
and order of the presbyteries," which, says Wodrow, " continoued, as far as 1 know, till
Episcopacy came in, and with a few alterations was standing at the [Glasgow] assembly
1638." (Biographical Collections, vol. i., p. 178.)

By this scheme, the diocese of Aberdeen was divided into five presbyteries, " BamfF,
Deere, Innerourie, Aberdene, and Kincardine," forming two Synods, one to meet at Aber-
deen, the other, that " of Bamfli', to convein in Torrey [Turreif]." (Booke of the Univer-
sall Kirk, p. 291 ; Row's Historic, pp. 109, 151.) The following was the order finally
established by the assembly :

[synod of] eamfl.

Rathven.

Innerbundyne.

Deir.

Lunmay.

Farskene.

Alueth.

Fettirangus.

Crowden.

Dundurch.

Forglyne.

Lunglay.

Slaines.

Kintallartie.

Innerkethny.

Methlyk.

Furvey.

Fordice.

Abirchirdoure.

Tarwess.

AUane.

Cullen.

Gemry.

Fetter Ugy.

Tyrie.

Deskfuird.

Kynedward.

Creichmond.

Aberdourc.

Ordiquhill.

TurrefF.

Rathin.

Phillorth.

Bamfe.

Auchterless.

PROVINCIAL SYNODS— PRESBYTERIES.

223

with the valuations of each, as calculated A. D. m.dc.xliv.,
and A. D. m.dc.lxvii., in Scotish money, by publick order.

[synod of] abirdeene.

Logic Buchane.

Kynarny.

Fetterneir.

Abergairdin.

Foverne.

Innerourie.

Kincairdin Oneill.

Crathie.

Balheluie.

Monkegy.

Glentanncr.

Kyndrochit.

Auld Aberdeene.

Botlielnie.

Lunfannan.

Touch.

Monycabuk.

Fyvie.

Clunie.

Cuschnie.

New Aberdeene.

Tarvesse.

Midmair.

Colquhoddilstane.

Nig.

Logy Dornoch.

Aufuird.

Logy Mar.

Banquhorie Devynick.

. Premnay.

Keig.

Coule.

Marie Culter.

Leslie.

Lochuihill.

Migwie.

Peter Culter.

Dauiot.

Monymusk.

Tarlane.

Dalmaock.

Line

Echt.

Kyldrymmie.

Durris.

Rayne.

Banchoric Ternitic.

Glenbuchct.

Dyce.

Kynnathmont.

Strachane.

Linerauchte.

Fyntrie.

Chrystis Kirk.

Birse.

Kynbethok.

Kyntoir.

Clait.

Oboyn.

Forbes.

Kynnellar.

Inche.

Tullich.

Keirn.

Skein e.

Colsalmond.

Glenmuick.

Tulcnessil.

The churclies of " Forg," " Drumblait,"

" Murthlache," " Dummeth," " Cabraoh

and " Achindore," were assigned to the synod of Murray. (Wodrow's Biog. Collect, vol.
i., pp. 373, 376 ; Booke of the Univ. Kirk, pp. 306, 307.)

The subdivisions of these synods into presbyteries do not appear. Nor is it ascer-
tained when the two synods were incorporated into one. The presbytery of Ellon, as we
learn from its registers, was erected in the year 1597. (Report from the Select Com-
mittee on Church Patronage (Scotland), appendix, p. 22. Pari. Pap., no. 512, sess. 1834.)
In the year 1606 the following presbyteries are found on the roll of the general assembly :
" Cullen, (or Fordyce) ; BamfF; Deir ; Ellone ; The Garioch ; Aufurd ; Kinkardin Oneill ;
and Aberdien." (Booke of the Universall Kirke, p. 573.)

By the general assembly of the kirk, which met at Glasgow in 1638, it was ordained
that " the provinciall synod of Aberdene" should consist of " the presbyteries of Aber-
dene ; Kincairdin; Allfoord ; The Garioch; Ellon; Deer; Turreffe; Fordyce." (Records
of the Kirk of Scotland, pp. 37, 38. Edinb. 1840. 8vo.)

This order has ever since been adhered to, except during some years after the re-esta-
blishment of the kirk in 1690, when all the ministers in the synod, being very few,
" formed one united presbytery." In 1697, their number having increased to fifteen,
they divided themselves into three presbyteries, (Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol.
ii., pref., jip. Ixxii., Ixxiii.) ; and the old number of eight presbyteries was gradually
and in no long time restored.]

224

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Only here the odd shillings and pence, as inconsiderable, are
omitted.

'RESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN
A.D. 1677.

Dalmaok
Peter Culter
Skene
Kinellar
Dyce
Fiutray
Belhelvie
New Machar

Cruden

Slaines

Foveran

Udny

Tarves

Peterhead

Longside

Strechin

Deer

Raithiii

Auchreedie or

New Deer
Lonmey
Crimond

A.D. 1644.

£908 £1000

2228 2494

2614 2661

948 1001

2064 1819

2603 3056

4287 4773

2429 2534

II. TRESBYTERY OF ELLON.

£5498 Methlick .

2893 Logy Buchan

5027 Ellon

6479

5393 Sume, £44,303

[I. PRESBYTERY OF DEER.

£6058

3104
4780
6579
5293

£5949
5812
2217
7376
4867

5583
3709
2366

AD. 1644.

New Aberdeen £453
Saint Machar, 0248

Sum, £24,787
And since erected
Newhills
Futtie

£4026

3800

10,662

£5543
5430
1944
7131
3734

Tyrie
Aberdour
Pitsligo
Frasersburc

£2031
3031
4190
3748

5908
3641
2281

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF

Sume, £50,883
Saint Fergus in
Banfshire

Fyvie . £7316

Kingedward . 5025
Turreff, and 9173

Monwheiter, after-
ward erected
Drumblait . 3789
Auchterless 3292

£6690
3832
8013

3283
3544

Forgue

Sum, £32,207
And in Banfshire
Forglen
Ghamrie
Alvah

A.D. 1677.

£433
6781

£26,.555

£3333
3988
9918

£42,529

£1530
1846
2800
3200

£44,992

£3609 £3694

£29,058

PRESBYTERIES— VALUATION OF BENEFICES.

225

A. D. 1644.

A.D. 1677.

IHE ItAKIOUH.

A.D. 1644.

A. D. 1677.

Leslie

£1600

£1438

Oyn

£2486

£2556

Premna

1731

1903

Montkeigie

2099

2079

Inch

2418

2318

Kinkel

1868

1940

Culsalmond

1555

1972

Inverurie,

2547

2317

Daviot

•2568

2562

Kemnay

1422

1564

Raine

2454

2536

Monymusk

2748

2476

Logie Durn

0 5180

4885

Kintore

2066

2167

Bourtie
Betholnie

2476
2193

2971
2136

Sume,

£37,417

£37,821

VI.

PRESBYTERY OF

ALFORD.

Alford

£2868

£3161

Kinethraont

£1809

£1861

Touch

1524

1752

Kildrummy

1267

1034

Leochell

1570

1611

Auchindore

1316

1420

Cushney

861

1096

Glenbucket

1155

900

JKearn anc
I Forbes,

1 746

500

Cabrach

766

455

806

666

Kinbethack

1871

1514

Keig

1567

1712

Invernochtie

3060

2773

Clatt,
Tullinessal

1149

974

1341

1011

Sume,

£23,316

£22,813

VII.

PRESBYTERY OF KINCARDINE.

Tarlan and

i Kindrocht
I and Crat

£1334

£1563

Migvie

£1836

£1887

hie 1864

2260

Logie Mar a

r Glengairden 977

1284

Colstane

1462

1368

J Tullich

1279

1580

Miff vie

1357

1335

V Glenmuik

1580

1648

Colstane

2265

1815

Glentaner

587

684

Cowl

1751

1589

Midmar

2034

1998

Aboyn and

Kinernie

1419

1397

Glentane

r 2572

2190

Echt

2628

2370

Birss

3067

3427

Clunie

2413

2152

fC iTipa vrlin

3814
2082

3947
2185

Lumphanan

Sume,

£36,327

£36,685

VIII. PRESBYTERY

OF FORDYCE.

Fordyce

Deskford

Rathven

Banf

Ordewhill

Murthlack

Cullen

Boyndie

226

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[The Reg-istre of Ministers and thair stipendis sen the yeir of God 1561
MERNIS, OR KINCARDIN.

Banchquery-
Divinick

Neig . .

Banchquery-
Ternite
Strauchin

Durris,

THE MINISTERS.

\ David Menzes, minister, j*^ merkis.

f Mr. Robert Merser, persona and exhorter, and to minister the sacra-
?" mentis, the thrid of the personage fre, extending to xxxiiij lib.
) xiij s. iiij d.

/■ James Reid, minister, iiij^" lib.

Mr. George Freaser, minister, 1 lib. Lambes 1568.

Neig

Mari Cultir .

Straithauchin

Birse . .

Banquherie-

Divinik

REIDARS.

John Leslie, reidar, xxiiij merkis.

Alexander Robertson, reidar, xx lib.
\ Andro Young, reidar, xxiiij merkis.
j John Irwyn, reidar, xx lib. Beltyn 1572.

Andro Hoig, reidar, xxiiij merkis.

j- William Mar, reidar, xx lib. Lambmes 1569.

Abirdene
Aid Abirdene
Tullinessill
Kyg • •
Towch
Aufurde
Forbes
Keirn . .
Clatt . .

ABIRDENE AND BANFF.

MINISTERS.

Adam Heriot, minister, iijc merkis.

Mr. James Lowsoun, minister, j' lib. Lambmes 1569.

f 2 John Straithauchin, minister, j"= merkis, and xl merkis mair sen
C Lambes 1569.

I Johne Philpe, minister, j*^ lib., translatit to Dunbennane and

V Kynnour.

i John Strathauchin, minister, j"^ merkis. November 1569-

' [From the Register of Ministers, Exhorters, and Readers, and of their Stipends, after
the period of the Reformation. Edinb. 1830. 4to. The editor of this record, Mr. Alex-
ander Macdonald, writes, " it appears to have been begun in the year 1567 or 1568, but
contains various interpolated entries, of later date, relative to cburclies, in which, at its
commencement, no Ministers or Readers had been established. Some of these are so late
as the year 1573." That part only of the register which relates to the churches within
the diocese of Aberdeen, is here given.]

2 [Translated from Forvie, Slanis, and Logy Buchane. See below, p, "227.]

MINISTERS AND THEIR STIPENDS, M D LXVII.

227

Keig . .
Leslie . .
Prema . .
Kyncardin
Lanfanane
Midmar . .
Chvnye . .
Monymusk
Kynnairny
Inche . .
Colsalmond
Logy Dorno )

f ' Andro Ogilvie, minister, j"^ lib., translatit to Erlye sen Candel-
( mes 1567, in Anguse.

f George Levingstoiin, minister, iiij" merkis, and xl nierkis mair
t seu Lambes 1569.

j- James Murray, minister, j*^ merkis.

/- Stein Masouii, minister, j": lib.

CuUane

Foirdyce

Innerboundye

Bantr

Alveth .

Abirdour

Gemrye

Tyrie

Tarves .

Mvthlik

Ellen .

Fivie

Echt

Kemnay

Dilmaok

Deir

Foverne

Petir Ugy

Langlej .

Forvie .

Slanis

Logy Buchane

Mr. William Lawtie, minister, j<^ lib., with the thryd of his pre-

l bendrye, extending to

J Mr. Gilbert Gardin,^ minister, the haill benefice for his full sti-
j pend sen Lambmes 1369.

Henry Mortimar, exhorter, xl merkis.

f ' Mr. John Ramsay, minister, j'= merkis, 1569-
C* David Howyson, minister, j= merkis, 1570.

^Mr.

(gh

Mr. Alexander Ogylvie, minister, vj^x merkis.
Arthure Forbes, minister, vj" merkis.

ilbert Chesholme, minister, xl lib., and xl merkis mair sen No-
vember 1570.

\ ^ John Straithauchin, minister, j' merkis, translatit to Mar sen
f 1569.

J Mr. Alexander Arbuthnot, person and minister, the thryd of the
3 personage, extendand to

' [" Nether Airlie, Ovir Airlie ... Andro Ogilvie minister, viijix merkis, Candil-
mes 1567." (Regist. of Min., p. 16.)]

2 [" Monyfathe ... Mr. Gilbert Gardin minister, ij>= merkis— translatit to Foirdyce
sen Candilmes 1569." — (Regist. of Minist.)]

3 [In the first general assembly of the kirk, at Edinburgh in December 1560, among
those " whilk are thought apt and able to minister" is " Mr. Johne Ramsay presentit be
Sir John Borthwick as minister for the kirks of Aberdoure and Tyrie." (The Booke of the
Universall Kirk, part i., p. 5. Edinb. 1839. 4to.)]

■• [Apparently the minister at Kynnedward and Phillorth. See below, p. 228.]
' [See above, p. 226.]

228

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Langley
Petirr Ugy
Crecliraond
Kynnedwavd
Phillorth .
Kyntor
Kynneller .
Owne
Primay

Rane

Daviot

Kyntor

Kynneller

Skene . .

Crechmonil

Turreff

Sanct Mach-
ers, als Aid
Abirdene

V Mr. Archebald Keyth,' minister, ij"^ merkis.

(-2 David Howysoun, minister, j<^ merkis. November 1570.

Mr. George Patersoun, minister, j"^ lib. Beltyne 1570.

1 Mr. Johnn Abircrunibuy, minister, the haill personage and vi-
^ earage, November 1570.

EXHORTARS.

[ Mr. Andro Thomsoun, exiiorter, xl merkis.

f Mr. John Wilie, sumtym exhorter, then a minister, and now de-
i posit to be a reidar, xx lib.

George Neisbit, reidar. xx lib.

Mr. Andro Mowat, exhorter, xl merkis.

Mr. Johnn Erskvn, exhorter, xl lib.

Colsalmond
New Abirdene
Logy Dorno
Daviot, and

Rane
Kyg . .
Tullinessil
Prenia

Kynnethniond

Leslie . .
Christiskirk
Abirdour .
Tyrie . .

Echt . .

Clwnye

Foirdice
Banff . .
Kynnedwart
Ennerboundye

Williame Straith, reidar, xx lib.

Waltir Cullane, reidar, xx lib., November 1570.

Johnn Leslie, reidar, xx lib.

J- Johnn Leslie, reidar, xx lib.

Robert Raitt reidar, xx lib.

Patrik Strathauehin, reidar, xx lib. November 1570.

James Curry, reidar, xx lib.
I William Thomsoun, reidar, xx lib., and ten lib. mair sen No-
/ vember 1570, because he is exhortar.

|- Anguse Duncansoun, reidar, xx lib.

Alexander Ramsay, reidar, xx lib.

Alexander Ugstoun, reidar, xx. lib.
I Thomas Davidson, reidar, xx lib.
f Mr. Thomas Strathauehin, reidar, xx lib. November 1570.

} James Cunye, reidar, xx lib.
John Straithauchin, reidar, xx lib.
Mr. James Robesoun, reidar, xx lib.
Williame Martin, reidar, xx lib.
Alexander Schand, reidar, xx lib.
Williame Smythe, reidar, xx lib.

' [" Lundie...Mr. Archibald Keyth minister, ijo
November 1369." (Regist. of Minist.)]
2 [See above, p. 227.]

merkis — translated to Abirdene sen

MINISTERS AND THEIR STIPENDS, M D LXVII. 229

Crowdane

Auchtirles

Kyldrymme

Desfurde

Keirn .

Mydmar

Aufurde

Forbes

Abirdene
Neig . .

Kynnairnye

Kyntor
Lanfannan
Cowll . .
Oboyne
Ellen . .
Kilbetliok
Kyncardin
Foverne

Dilmaok

Tarves
CuUane

Bawthelnye

Crathas
Mythlik .
Rathuen

Fyntraj-

Kynnellar
Tullik . .
Bawhelvie

Abirchirdir

Langley
Petirr Ugy .

Birse . .

Glentanner
Glenmuike
Quoquoddil-

stane
Kyndroch in

Braymar

Johnn Wilson, reidar, xs lib. Lambes 1569.

Robert Allardas, reidar, xx lib.

Thomas Dalloquhy, reidar, xx lib.

Johnn Thome, reidar, xx lib.

James Cowtis, reidar, xx lib.

William Robertson, reidar, xx lib.

John Patersoun, reidar, xx lib.
J Alexander Gray, reidar, xx lib.
/"James Walear, reidar, xx lib. November 1570.
I Johnn Leslie, reidar, xx lib., and xx merkis for Neig in The
( Mernes.

i James Lyndesay, reidar, xx lib.
J John Strathauchin, reidar, xx lib. November 1570.

John Chalmer, reidar, xx lib.

John Mychell, reidar, xx lib.

George Lausoun, reidar, xx lib.

James Cusnye, reidar, xx lib.

John Greg, reidar, xx lib.

David Arrot, reidar, xx lib.

Alexander Eustache, reidar, xx lib.

David Lairde, reidar, xx lib.
I George Freser, reidar, xx lib.
/ Alexander Gerard, reidar, xx lib. November 1570.

Donald Reoch, reidar, xx lib.

George Haj-, reidar, xx lib.
1 Thomas Myll, reidar, xx lib.
(Alexander Gai'ioch, reidar, xx lib. November 1570.

Rychart Christesoun, reidai-, xx lib.

Nyeoll Smyth, reidar, xx lib.

Andro Hay, reidar, xx lib.
) Alexander Harvie, reidar, xx lib.

y Mr. Thomas Flemyne, vicar and reidar, the hail! vicarage ex-
) tendand to

James Henderson, reidar, xx lib.

Lorence Cowttis, reidar, xx lib.

Gilbert Kello, reidar, xx lib.
\ Johnn Wilsoun, reidar, xvj lib.
/ Florence Winsister, exhortar, xl lib.
. William Murray, reidar, xx lib.
. James Symsoun, reidar, xx lib.
) Archibald Irwyn, reidar, xvj lib.
/ Andro Hoige, reidar, in his rowme.

Johnn Ross, reidar, xvj lib.
Archebald Wilsoun, reidar, xvj lib.
} Henry Spark, reidar, xvj lib.
^ David Stewart, reidar in his rowme, xx lib. November 1570.

> James Hanye, reidar, xx lib.

230

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Inche

) William Ballingall, reidar and vicar therof, the thrid of the same

J extending to xx merkis.

Cusnye . . . James Patersoun, reidar, xx lib. November 1570.
Monkegye . Andro Spens, reidar, xx lib. November 1570.

Clatt

Monycabok . Alexander Garrioch, reidar, xx lib. November 1570.
Gemrye . . Johnn Quhyte, reidar, xxi lib. November 1570.

MAR.

Rj'nnye
Clatt
Forbes .
Kirne
Drumblaitt

Fivie

Tarlane
Migvie .

Glenbuchett

Crowdane

LogjTnar

Kemnay

Innervrgy

Dyse

Cabreth

Petirheid

Clatt

Petir Culter

Ruven .

Phillorth

Innernauchtie

Buirtie . .

Auchindour

Kyldrymmie

. Andro Thomson, reidar, xvj lib.

/- John Strathauchin, minister, j<^ merkis.

. George Rothhnye, reidar, xvj lib.

I William Chalraer, reidar, xvj lib.

(Alexander Barroun, reidar, xx lib. November 1570.

i John Irwyn, reidar, xx lib. Left the office at November 1570.

> James Ross, reidar, xx lib. sen the said tyme.

) Mr. Robert Skene, exhortar, xl lib.

William Covvpar, reidar, xvj lib.
. Alexander Traill, reidar, xvj lib. With the manse sen Lambes 1569.
. Arthure Skene, reidar, xvj lib.
. Thomas Gray, reidar, xvj lib.
. James Kyd, reidar, xvj lib.
. Thomas Myll, reidar, xvj lib.
. Thomas Christesoun, xvj lib.
. Arcliibald Reid, reidar, xvj lib.
. Arthure Henderson, reidar, xvj lib.
. Alexander Robertsoun, reidar, xvj lib.
. Mr. Robert Smyth, exhortar, xxvj lib. vj s. viij d.
. Mr. David Brodie, reidar, xx lib.

Alexander Ross, reidar, xx lib.

Andro Drumblee, reidar, xx lib.

Gilbert Brown, reidar, xs lib.

Henry Westland, reidar, xx lib. November 1570.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— SAINT MACHAR. 231

IN THE PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN.
OLD ABERDEEN, OR SAINT MACHAR.

v^ AINT Machar's Cathedral, and the City of Old

-5 Aherdeen, are elsewhere described.'
p^l Fraserfield, so named by the present pos- Mannors.
■" i; sessor, Mr. Eraser, Lord Saltoun's brother. Be-

,3 fore, it was called Cairnfield, while possessed
by Lord Gray's family, and before them by

one Irwin ; but its old name is Balgowny,
under which title the Menzieses held it. Near Fraserfield
are two hamlets, called Scotston and Daneston, and also two
heaps of stones, or cairns, where the Scots and Danes once en-

Grandam, (now one Patten's,) formerly Dilspro, while pos-
sessed by the Jaffrays. ^

Hilton, built by Dr. Gordon, a physician, (of Pitlurg's family,)
who has planted the hill about with firrs.

The possessor of Pitmuckston here, by a peculiar right, is
Mair of Fee of Aberdeen, (that is, chief executor of the sentences
past by the Sheriff) ; but, though the first Earl of Aberdeen sold it,
he reserved this hereditary office to his own family.

' [See above, pp. 148—137.]

2 [In a catalogue of lost charters of King Robert I., is " Carta to John Crab, of the
lands of Prescoly, Granden, and AuchmoHen, and Auchtcrrony, in vicecomitatu de Aber-
deen." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 17. Edinb. 1798. 4to.) King David II.
granted a charter " to Ingrahame CuUan, of the lands of Ochtereny, Auchmyln, Prostoli, and
Graindun, and all the lands in Aberdeen whilks were John Crabbe's." (Id., p. 53.) King
Robert III. contirmed a charter " given by Isabel Countess of Mar and Garrioche, to Alex-
ander Keth of Grandoun, of the lands of Glendowachy." (Id., p. 141.) The same
monarch confirmed to Alexander de Keth the lands of " Grandowne, Auchmolyn, Prosly,
Crabiston. and Balmady." (Registrvia Magni Sigilli, p. 193.]

232 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[Confirmacio carte • J • de Crag- ' (a. d. 1358.)

Dauid etc ■ Sciatis nos approbasse [etc •] donacionem illam et conces-
sionem quas Dominus de Rubyslaw fecit et concessit Johanni de Crag
burgensi de Aberdein de quadam pecia terre iacente in dominio de Ru-
byslaw infra vicecomitatum de Aberdein Tenendam sibi et heredibus suis
adeo libere etc ■ sicut carta siue litere eiusdem Domini de Rubyslaw
quas idem Johannes inde habet in se iuste plenius continent et propor-
tant / saluo seruicio nostro • In cuius rei etc ■ Testibus etc • Apud Aber-
dein • xij"° die Septembris anno regni nostri Tricesimo •

• Confirmacio carte • J • de Rosse • 2 (a. d. 1361.)

Dauid Dei gracia Rex Scottorum Omnibus etc • Sciatis nos appro-
basse etc • donacionem illam et concessionem quas Thomas Comes de Marr
fecit Johanni de Rosse de terra de Gilcolmystona cum pertinenciis infra
vicecomitatum de Abirden Tenendam et habendam eidem Johanni et
Johanne sponse sue et heredibus suis in feodo et hereditate etc • adeo libere
etc ■ sicut carta siue littere predicti Comitis eidem Johanni inde confecte in
se plenius continent iuste et proportant / saluo seruicio nostro • In cuius rei
etc • Apud Abirden • xvj • die Nouembris Anno regnj nostrj Tricesimo
tercio /

Carta • Johannis • Wynde • ' (a. d. 1375.)

rtobertus etc ■ Omnibus etc • Sciatis nos dedisse etc ■ Johanni Wynde
officium Mari nostri • capitalis • vicecomitatus • de Abreden • vna cum terra
de Petmukystona cum pertinenciis • quod quidem officium vna cum terra
predicta • cum pertinenciis • fuit Roberti de Keth . filij ■ Willelmi . de

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 22. In a catalogue of lost charters of King
Robert I. are mentioned " Carta to John Gardropa, of the three merk land of Denburn, the
lands of Robislaw, with ane fishing in Dee ;" and " Carta Hugonis de Aberden, clerici, of
the lands of Petmukstoun and Rubbislaw, infra vicecomitatum de Aberden." (Robertson's
Index to the Charters, pp. 16, 17.) King David II. granted a charter " to Duncan Chap-
man, burgess of Aberden, of the lands of Rotherstoun near Dee, and the fishing, in vice-
comitatu de Aberden, whilk was John Buchan's, and, by forfaultrie of the said Duncan, to
pertain to William Leith, burgess of Aberdeen." (Id., p. 52.)]

'^ [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, pp. 24, 25.]

3 [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 140. In a catalogue of lost charters of King
Robert I. is " Carta Hugonis de Aberden, clerici, of the lands of Petmuckstoun and Rub-
bislaw, infra vicecomitatum de Aberden." Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 17]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— SAINT MACHAR. 233

Keth • militis Marescalli nostri Scocie • et quod ofBcium vna cum terra
predicta • cum pertineuciis • idem Robertus nobis sursum reddidit et re-
signauit • Tenendum et habendum • eidera • Johanni et heredibus suis ■ de
nobis et heredibus nostris • in feodo et hereditate imperpetuum • cum
feodis • liberis consuetudinibus et iustis pertineuciis quibuscunque adeo
libera et quiete in omnibus et per omnia • sicut dictus Robertus • vel
Euma • de Dunfermelyne • que antea dictum officium • cum dicta terra et
pertinenciis obtinuit • idem officium cum terra predicta et pertineuciis • iuste
tenuit sen possedit • Faciendo inde seruicium debitum • et consuetum •
In cuius rei etc ■ Testibus etc • Apud • Sconam • vndecimo die Nouem-
bris • Anno regni nostri • Quinto •

Ane aid chartour of the possessour of Rubbislavv.' (a. d. 1378.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum • Omnibus [eifc • ] Salutem • Sciatis
nos dedisse [etc • ] fideli nostro Andree de Inchestur omnes terras de
Rubbyslav et de Deneburn cum pertinenciis infra vicecomitatum de Abir-
dene que fuerunt Johannis de Inchestur patris dicti Andree / et quas
idem Johannes non vi aut metu ductus / nee errore lapsus / set mera et
spontanea voluntate sua nobis per fustum et baculum sursum reddidit /
[etc • ] Tenendas et habendas dicto Andree et heredibus suis de nobis
et heredibus nostris in feodo et hereditate per omnes rectas metas et
diuisas suas [etc ■ ] flaciendo inde seruicium debitum et consuetum • In
cuius rei testimonium presenti carte nostre / nostrum precepimus apponi
sigillum • Testibus venerabili in Christo patre Willelmo episcopo Sancti
Andree • Johanne primogenito nostro de Carrict senescallo Scocie • Ro-
berto de Fyfi" et de Menteth filio nostro dilecto • Willelmo de Douglas et
de Marr consanguineo nostro • Comitibus • venerabili viro Magistro Johanne
de Peblys archidiacono Sancti Andree cancellario nostro • Jacobo de Lyn-
desay nepote nostro karissimo • et Alexandro de Lyndesay consanguineo
nostro militibus • Apud Dunfermelyne vicesimo die mensis Maij • Anno
regni nostri Octauo •

Carta confirmacionis pro Patricio de Sanquhare • - (a. d. 1408.)
Kobertus dux Albania comes de Fyfe at de Menteth • ac Gubernator

' [From the original, in the archives of the city of Aberdeen.]
'^ [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 236.]

234 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

regni Scocie / Omnibus [etc • ] Sciatis nos approbasse [etc • ] donacionem
concessionera et vendicionem quas quondam Johannes de Sancto Michaeli
fecit et concessit • dilecto nostro Patricio de Sanquhare • de tota terra
sua de Mure Crofte cum pertinenciis • jacente in baronia de Polgowny ■
infra vicecomitatum de Aberdene / Tenendara et babendam predicto
Patricio et heredibus suis • a predicto quondam Johanne et heredibus suis
de Barone de Polgowny • in feodo et hereditate imperpetuum • [etc.'\ In
cuius rei testimonium presenti carte nostre contirmacionis sigillum officij
appoui precepimus • Testibus [etc.~\ Apud Perth • vicesimo die mensis
Juhj Anno Dominj millesimo cccc™° • Octauo • Et gubernacionis nostre
Anno tercio •

Dilacio perambulacionis inter terras de Mondurno et Balhelluy • ' (a. d.

1450.)
It is appoyntit and fully accordit betuix a venerabil fader in Crist
Ricbart be the mercy of God Abbot of Abirbrothoc / on the ta pairt / and
ane nobile and mychty lord Schyr Patrik Lorde the Glammys / on the tother
pairt / That the brefe of perambulacioun of the landis of Montdurnoch and
the landis of Balhelfy partenand to the sade Abbot and Lord sal be super-
cedit and dilayit until Monunday the tend day of Maij nixttocum wyth
consent of bath the partys wythowtyn preiudice of ony of thaim / And that
Monunday the saide href to procede wythowtyn ony excepcioun or langar
dilay or requeist or chargis procuryt be ony of the partys / as brefe of per-
arabulacion aw to pass • And this poyntment the said parteys promittys and
oblissis thaim lely and trwly to fulfyl and kepe wythowtyn ony new sum-
mondis / al frawde and gile away put / othir be thaimselfis or thair lawful
procuratouris hafand powar thairto • In witnes of the quhilk thyng the
sele of the said Lord the Glamys is to put / At the Glamys the secunde
day of Octobir the yer of God • M • four hundyr and ffyfty • ]

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS. The same record con-
tains a copy of a later brieve of perambulation of the same lands, given under the great
seal, at Edinburgh, on the sixteenth of July, 1455, and directed " dilocto consanguineo
nostro Jacobo Domino Forbes et Alexandre Irwyn de Drum militi et eorum alteri justi-
ciariis nostris in hac parte specialitcr constitutis."]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— NEW MACHAR.

235

NEW MACHAR, NEW CHURCH, NEW PARISH, OR MONYCAHOCK. *

,EW Machar Church was built in A.D. m.dc.xxi.,'

the parish being taken out of that of Old Machar.

It has one silver chalice, gifted, (under Bishop
)^ Scougal,) by Henery Panton of Hilton, in Old

Machar parish.

Saint Colm's, at Monycabock, which is at Chapiiei?

least four hundred and seventy years old. This
appears from the Chartulary of Aberdeen, where, among the
other constitutions of Bishop Peter Ramsay, (dated apud Aberdon,
14 Kal. May, 1256,) it is ordered that the dean, being parson
of Kirkton, or Old Aberdeen, is oblidged to maintain a chaplain
and clerk at Monycabock, as well as at Kirkton. As to
the name, some strain it from " mnny (jay buck,'' pretending that
it abounded with such ; but our old names of places here are
generally Irish, and in that tongue it signifies " a land of cheese."'^

' [" In the year 1639, a church was built, where the present now stands ; and, in the
year 1641, the minister at the chapel of Monycabbuck was removed to it. There are
some remains of the chapel ; and the ground around it is still used for burying." Statis-
tical Account of Scotland, vol. vi., p. 468. Edinb. 1794.]

2 [King David II. granted a charter " to Donald Strathechin, and Annabell his wife of
the barony of Monycabbok, Tullimaddin, and Craig, in vicecomitatu de Aberden." (Ro-
bertson's Index to the Charters, p. 48.)

King Robert III. granted a charter " to David Fleming, of the lands of Wodland and
Meiklegall [I. Meikle Govil], in the barony of Monycabow, in vicecomitatu de Aberden."
(Id., p. 148.) For notices of the lands and barony of " Monycabo" see Acta Dominorum
ad causas et querelas audicndas electorum, in Parliamcntis Domini Jacobi Tertii, Regis Sco-
torum, pp. 5, 169, 170, \^0 (unpublished) ; Robertson's Parliamentary Records of Scotland,
pp. 142, 237, 375, 438. Printed by command of his Majesty King George III. 1804. fol.
(suppressed); Acta Dominorum Concilii, regnante Domino Jacobo Tertio Rege Scotorum,
pp. 261, 307, 346 (unpublished). On the twenty-second of June, 1492, " the lordis of consale
decrettis and deliueris that Johne Flemyn knycht are to vmquhile Dauid Flemyn and Malcum
Flemyn his faider sail werrand and kepe to George Erlle of Huntlie thir landis vndirwrittin /
that is to say / All and hale the landis of Elrig with the mylne of the sammyn and thair se-
qaelis / Tulymaid / with a quartere of Little Goil and x. lib. of vsuale money of Scotland
yerely to be payit to him of the landis of Monycabow and Aldgoil with the pertinentis liand

236 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

The Virgin Mary's, at Clubsgovil.

, at Straloch, supposed to be built by the

Cheynes of Straloch.

, at the Bishop's mannor, in Loch-Goul.

The oldest is that in Loch-Goul, (now the Bishop's Loch,)
whereof the ruined walls yet remain. ' It looks liker a hermite's
cell than a Bishop's Palace ; and yet a great man lived and died
here; I mean Bishop Benham.^

Parkhill, newly built by Skene of Lethinty. Before it was
called Clubsgovil.

RosEHALL, newly built by Cuthbert of Rosehall. Befor it was
called BoGHOLE.

Elrick, Burnets of Elrick.

Mamewlach, now possessed by one Mr. Gordon, Literarum
Orientalium Professor in The King's College ; and before him, by
the Harveys.

Straloch.' This was of old possessed by the Cheynes of

within tlie barony of Monycabo within the schirefdoum of Abirdene efter the forme of
the infeftment and chartour maid to him thairupon be the said vmquhile Malcum vnder
his sele schewin and producit before the lordis." (Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 237.)]

' [" There is a beautiful lake, called Bishop's Loch, antiently Loch GouU ; within it the
Bishops of Aberdeen had their lodging, before the chanonry was erected. Upon a rising
ground, within the loch, the remains of the building are still to be seen. At the west end
is part of a ditch, where the drawbridge was, by which they passed to and from the
lodging. It is said that the loch was compassed about with tall trees, but none of them
remain." Statist. Ace. of Scotland, vol. vi., p. 467.]

" At the Corbie loch are wild geese and ducks, moorfowl, and even some swans. The
market road from Aberdeen to Banf, leads by Parkhill, Kinmundie, and the church, and so
through Udny, to Turrift'. The soil of this parish is mossy, so that, though it furnishes
Aberdeen with much fuel, it needs burning to make it yeeld grain. The manse is very good,
and stands at the edge of a moss. The church stands on an eminence, (about six miles north-
west from Old Aberdeen,) and just underneath it, on the market road, is a good inn." Ac-
count of New Macar, [written about 1730.] MS. in the library at Slaines Castle ; and
Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS. Advocates' Library.]

' [See above, p. 162.]

^ [" RoBEETUs Stralochcs Abcrdonensis et ipse Lutetiam suo ingenio illustravit, nam,
cum ingenti studiosorum adolescentum concursu philosophiam docuisset, scripsit ' Praefati-

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— NEVVHILLS. 237

Straloch,' but now by the Gordons of Pitlurg. The first of that
name who possessed it, was that Robert Gordon who published the
maps of Scotland, and who afterward succeeded his elder brother
in Pitlurg.

NEWHILLS.

T was built A. D. m.dc.lxil, by George Davidson of
Pettens, burgher of Aberdeen, who had risen meerly
by his own industry. He died next year, and has a
tomb - in Saint Nicholas churchyard. He built the
stone bridge on Bucks-bourn here, which, being
three miles long, falls into Don : he also gave the
lands of Pettens and Bogfairly to Saint Nicholas
church, and those of Newhills to this here.

The name is taken from its hilly situation and late erection. It
abounds with moss ; and, perhaps, of old, with bucks, quhence Bucks-
moss and Bucks-bourn.^

ones solennes ad Auditores suos.. lib. i.' Prodiit typis Henrici Stephani opus. ' Compendium
totius Philosophiae, lib. iiii.' Docebat anno mdlxix. Obiit in Scotia medicinam chimicam
exercens." T. Dempster! Hist. Ecclesiast. Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., p. 385.]

' [King David II. granted a charter "to Henry Cheyne, of ane annual of Straloche and
Achstuckis, in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 32.)
" Ranald Chene of Stroloch," on the twelfth of October 1466, renounces " the office of
balyery of the landis of the barony of Monycabo." (Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p. 5 ;
Robertson's Parliamentary Records, p. 142.) On the twelfth of February 1492, there is
a plea moved regarding the lands of " Meckle Arnage" between " Johne Chene of Straloch
the sone and are of vniquhill Rannald Chene" and " Henry Chene of Essilmont." (Acta
Dominorum Concilii, p. 281.) In 1595, " James Cheyne of Straloch and Williame King of
Barrach" being at " deidlie feid" are charged to appear before the King in council on the
third of March 1596. (Pitcairn's Criminal Trials, vol. i., p. 141.)]

" Cheyne of Straloch, carried the plain coat of Cheyne (gules, a bend between six cross
crosslets fitched argent), as they stand on the House of Straloch and Pont's Manuscripts :
crest, a capuchian's cap : motto, ' Fear God." ' (Nisbet's Heraldry, vol. i., p. 421.)]

2 [The inscription on it is printed in Menteith's Theater of Mortality, pp. 135, 136.]

3 [" In the parish is a cairn one hundred and eight feet long, by thirty-eight feet broad ;
many tumuli ; some remains of a Druidical temple ; the vestiges of an old chapel." Stat-
Ace. of Scot., vol. vi., pp. 39, 40. Edinb. 1793.]

238 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

chappei. The Virgin Mary's, near Stonywood ; at which is a well re-

sorted to, in May, for washing of ulcerous sores.
Mannotirs. Crabstone, ' belonging to Sandilands of Crabstone, descended of

one [Thomas] Sandilands, who came from the south in Bishop
Patrick Forbes's time, and was commissary of Aberdeen.

ScLATY,' now ruinous, which was given by Saint David to Bishop
Nectan of Aberdeen, but is now Crabstone's.

Kingwell's, Jaffray. ^ His arms are palle of six, argent and
sable, surmounted of a fess of the first, chai'ged with three stars of
the second.^

Stonywood, (formerly Craigharr, and belonging to Fraser
of Muchils,^) being a stony place, and having a firr grove hard by,
quhere the Green-bourn falls into Don. It is now the seat of Moir
of Stonywood. 'Tis said that the Moirs, Mores, Moors, and
Mures, and even the Morisons, are all originally the same name.
The Moirs carry for their arms, three Moors' heads ; the Morisons,
what they call three Saracens' heads ; but Mure of Rowallan, (who
yet, as some pretend, is chief of all these names,) bears, argent, on
a fess azure, three stars or.

1 [See Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 1 12*.]

2 [" The small estate of Kingswells, lying about five miles west of Aberdeen, came into
the possession of the Jatfrays in the year 1587, being purchased, as the family records state,
by Alexander Jaffray, baiUe of Aberdeen." Barclay's Diary of Provost Jaffray and Me-
moirs of the Friends in Scotland, p. 568.]

3 [Nisbet's Heraldry, vol. i. p. 38.]

* [" It has been supposed that the family of Muckwell were a brancli of Philorth, pro-
bably from contiguous property which they held in Aberdeenshire, and that they could not
instruct their pedigree farther back than three centuries. But this is a mistake ; Aberdeen-
shire was not their original residence, and the family were of far greater antiquity. Inde-
pendently of being proprietors of the barony of Stoneywood, in 1454, it is proved by an
authentic charter, iSth of October, 1454, (Act. Dom. Con. 353 ; Ibid., lib. 15, 40 b.)
that James II. then exchanged the lands of Stoneywood and Muckwells, in Aberdeenshire,
with the representative, for the lands of Corntoun, near Stirling, their previous property.
This, therefore, has been the cause of their quitting the fertile fields of Stirling, and re-
moving to the north." Riddell's Remarks upon Scotch Peerage Law, pp. 78, 79, note.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— NEWHILLS. 239

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARISH OF NEWHILLS, ABERDEENSHIRE, M DCC XXV.'

J. he parish of Newhills, in the shire of Aberdeen, hath to the north the parish of
Dyce ; to the south, the parish of Banchory-Devenick ; to the east, the parish of
Old Machar, and about a mile of it bounded by the water of Don ; to the west, the
parish of Skeen ; to the south-west, the parish of Peter Culter ; to the north-west
the parish of Kinnellar. The church is three miles to the north-west of the town
of Aberdeen, and stands in the middle of the parish.

The house of Crabston is north from the church half a mile. The house of Ston-
nywood is east from Crabston a short mile ; and distant fiom the church, one and a
half miles, to the east. It stands clos on the river Don, which falls into the sea a little
below the town of Old Aberdeen, standing on the south syde of it. The house of
Sclaty stands to the south-west of Stonnywood, about a large quarter of a mile ; and
distant from the church about a large mile, to the east, but just now ruinous. The
house of Whitmyres, alias Newparks, stands to the south-west of Sclaty, two
miles ; and distant from the church, a long mile, to the south. The place of Kings-
wells stands to the west of Newparks about three-quarters of a mile ; and dis-
tant from the church al)out two long miles, to the south-west.

The north road goes through the east end of this parish about two short miles ;
upon which road is to be met with, the bridge of Buxburn, built by George David-
son, the builder of the kirk, and mortifier of the stipend of Newhills. The burn,
whose head is about three miles from the road, falls into the Don, a litle below the
bridge, which is about a quarter of a mile from Sclaty, to the south-east. There is
no other considerable burns in the parish, save the Den burn and Green burn, re-
markable for nothing, the one running into Don at Stonnywood, the other into the
shore at Trinity Church, Aberdeen. There is, in this parish, about a mile to the
north of the church, the ruines of ane old popish chappell, in the yard of which
there are still persons buried, and remarkable for a well, reckned medicinall, whither
crouds flock about the beginning of May. It's said to be good for the stomach
and for cleansing and curing any ulcerous tumours on any part of the body, when
bathed with it.

About two miles north from the church, there is a large spring, the head of that
large burn that affords water to the Justice Mills, not far from Aberdeen, and runs
by Ferryhill somewhere into Dee. There is likewise a publick road, which goes
through Alford to the Highlands ; about two miles of it is within this parish, on
which road are the houses of Newparks and Kingswells. The parish is miserably
divided with mountains : one large hill, about a quarter of a mile west of the church,
named Bruman, alias Druman ; 'twill be one and a half mile long, of unequal
breadth, in some places broader, in some narrower.

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

240 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Near this hill, to the north, is a less hill, named Elrick hill, ami a long track of
rocky ground, with considerable litle hills, and a great house, ordinarily called the
house of Stonewood. There is another large moor, about a mile from the church,
to the south-east, named Carngully; but it reaches a large piece out without the
parish, into the Old Town bounds.

There are a vast deal of small mosses scattered up and down through the parish.
The most considerable are, the backmos, at the foot of Bruman hill, alias Druman
hill ; the road moss, about one and a half mile to the south-west of the church ;
and a moss that's usually called The Free Moss, so large that it does not confine
itself to one parish, and out of which all that belong to the freedom of Aberdeen
have liberty to cast peat. There are some other inconsiderable mosses and hills,
scarce worth noticeing ; yea, few places within the parish but affords fewel, except
the corn ridges.

This church is about sixty-two years old.

Carta Douinaldi Banerman • medici Domini Regis- ' (a. d. 1367.)
Dauid Dei gracia ■ Rex Scottorum • Omnibus etc ■ Salutem • Sciatis
nos dedisse concessisse et hac presenti carta nostra confirmasse dilecto me-
dico nostro Douinaldo Banerman pro fideli seruicio sue nobis inpenso et
inpendendo omnes terras nostras de duabus Clyntreys et de duabus Ach-
rinys / videlicet / le Watirtona et le Weltona cum pertinenciis Ita quod
idem Douinaldus et heredes sui perficiant illam capellam Beate Marie Vir-
ginis in eadem terra situatam et faciant vnam missam celebrari serael in
ebdomada pro anima reuerendissimi patris nostri Domini • Roberti Regis
Scoeie • et pro animabus omnium fidelium et omnium illorum dicte capelle
subueniencium sub qua condicione opere non complete defecit quondam
Michael Cocus / Morauis • Tenendas et habendas dicto Douinaldo et here-
dibus suis de nobis et heredibus nostris in feodo et hereditate per omnes
rectas metas et diuisas suas • libere [e^c] in boscis et planis \_etc.']
bondis bondagiis natiuis et eorum sequelis \_etc.'] Reddendo inde nobis et
heredibus nostris dictus Donaldus et heredes sui vnum per calcarum albo-
rum vel • xij. denarios • annuatim apud Clyntre nomine albe firme si petatur
vel petautur ad Festum Pentecostes [eifc] Insuper concedimus / quod licet
donaciones et concessiones nostras generaliter vel speciallter reuocare nos
contingerit / omnes et singule terre predicte de Clyntreys et de Auchrynys
cum pertinenciis pro nostra sanitate nostro mediante consilio sibi datte

1 [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, pp. 59, 60.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— SAINT NICHOLAS. 241

et concesse penes prefatuin Donaldum et heredes suos perpetuo remaneant /
in omnibus et per omnia prout superius est expressum • In cuius rei etc.
Testibus etc. Apud Sconam vicesimo primo die raensis • Junij anno
regni nostri • Tricesimo • None •

Carta Mariote de Cardny • ' (a. d. 1372.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum / Omnibus probis hominibus etc.
Sciatis nos dedisse etc. dilecte nostre Mariote de Cardny • omnes et sin-
gulas terras de duabus Clyntres de Weltona • et de Watirtona cum perti-
nenciis infra vicecomitatura de Abirdene • Tenendas et habendas • dicte
Mariote ■ et proli inter nos et eandem Mariotam procreate seu procreande •
qua forte • deficiente • heredibus dicte Mariote / de corpore suo legitime •
procreandis • de nobis et heredibus nostris / in feodo et hereditate • per
omnes rectas metas etc. i in boscis et planis etc. molendinis multuris
etc. I bondis bondagijs natiuis et eorum sequelis etc. Faciendo inde
seruicium vnius architenentis • ad exercitum nostrum . In cuius rei etc.
Testibus etc. Apud Are • Primo . die • Octobris • anno regni nostri
Secundo •

NEW ABERDEEN, ABERDEEN, OR SAINT NICHOLAS.

s-J^-AINT Nicolas is the tutelar of the church
here. This saint was bom in Patara, in Lycia,
and became afterward Bishop of Myra in that
country. Among his many works of chanty, this
is particularly recorded, that hearing of one who
was to prostitute his three daughters, meerly that
they might earn their bread, he sent as much gold
as might be a dowry to each of them.^ He sate in the coimcil of
Nice, and vehemently opposed Arius, and dyed the next year, De-
cember sixth, A. D. ccc.xxvi. His body was transported from
Myra to Bari, in the kingdom of Naples, May ninth, A. D.

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 114.]

^ [Seethe Breviarium Romanum, ex decreto SS. Consilii Tridentini restitutura, proprium
Sanctorum, f'esta Decembris, die 6.]

242

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

M.LXXVIII.
day:

The Breviary of Aberdeen hath this hymn on his

Pange lingua gloriosi
Presulis preconium :
Vt nos Summus Adonay /
Rex et Pater omnium /
Ad salutis portum tralii
Facial per Filium •

Uum penderet ad mamillam
Matris ab infancia :
Quarta seniel bibit illam
Atque sexta feria :
Nee per unam puer stillam
Solueret ieiunia .

Sublimatus ad honorem
Nicholai presulis :
Pietatis ante rorem
Cunctis pluit populis :
Vt vix parem aut maiorem
Habeat in seculis .

Auro dato violari
Virgines prohibuit :
Far in fame vas in niari

Seruat et distribuit :
Qui timebant naufragari
Nautis opem tribuit •

A defunctis suseitatur
Furtum qui commiserat :
Et Judeus baptizatur
Furtum qui recuperat :
lUi vita restauratur
Hie ad fideni properat .

JN icholai sacerdotura
Decus honor gloria :
Plebem omnem elerum totum
Mentes nianus labia:
Ad reddendum Deo vota
Tua iuuat gracia .

oit laus Summe Trinitati

Virtus et victoria :

Que det nobis vt Beati

Nicholai gaudia:

Assequamur laureati

Post vitam in patria • Am.en • ''■

This church has, at present, eight silver chalices, four greater,
(quhareof two gilt) and four lesser ; also tvpo silver pattens, gilt ;
two silver basins, for baptisms ; four silver cups, and four silver
porringers for receiving alms; and two large silver-hafted knives
for carving the holy bread.

' [" Henrico Romanorum Rcge sceptra possedente imperii sui anno prime supra trigesi-
mum." Breuiarum Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, byemali, fol. xxxvii. Henry IV.
succeeded to the Empire in the vear 1036.]

^ [Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali. fol. x.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— FUTTIE. 243

The royal borough and collegiate church is elsewhere accounted
for.'

The Virgin Mary's, at the Bridge of Dee. chappei.

ROBSLAW.^ Manner.

At the Crabstane here, A.D. m.d.lxxi., ther was a skirmish be-
tween Sir Adam Gordon of Auchindown, Huntley's brother, who
fought for the Queen, and the Master of Forbes, quho fought for her
son, and had almost surprized Sir Adam at Aberdeen, but was routed.
The chace lasted four miles; two hundred were taken prisoners,
(and among these the Master himself,) and three hundred killed,
among whom Captain Chishelm, and fifteen gentlemen of the sur-
name of Forbes, were the chief.

FUTTIE.

UTTIE hath for its tutelar Saint Clement. This
Saint Clement is he of whom Saint Paul says,
»:^) (calling him at the same time his fellow-labourer,)
-^ that his name was written in the book of life.*
He was made Bishop of Rome by Saint Peter, and
so is called Pope Clement I. His first Epistle to
the Corinthians, (still extant in Greek,) was highly
reverenced by antiquity, and reckoned almost canonical. He is
said to have suffered martyrdom, in Trajan's persecution, November
the twenty-third, A. D. cii.

It has been still considered as a chappei, depending on Saint
Nicholas's church ; and it is there, its parishioners receive the com-
munion.

Futtie, that is Foot-of-Dee, say some, for so it is situated, is a
little fisher town, and a suburb of Aberdeen, having six boats for

' [See above, pp. 123—126; pp. 235— 210.]

- [Rubislaw is in the parish of Saint Machar. See above, pp. 232, 233.]

* Philippians, ch. iv. v. 3.

244

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

cod and ling, (commonly served with seven men each,) besides
yoals, (or small boats,) for lesser fish, as haddock and whiting.

DYCE.

YCE is said to have been a heathen chappel of old,
and to have its name from Dice, the goddess of
justice among the Greeks, as if the Druids, (our
priests then,) had spoken Greek here, agreeably to
Boetius, quho says, they were bred at Athens.*
The English may as well say, it was named from
Dyse or Tyse, the goddess of justice among the

Saxons, (whence Tuesday is called,) who was wife to Thor, the son

of Woden and Fria; whence Thursday, Wednesday, and Friday

have their names.

Its tutelar is Saint Fergus,' or Saint Fergusian, a Bishop whose

arm was kept as a relick in the Cathedral of Aberdeen, and whose

feast is November the eighteenth.

DvcE, Skene's of Dyce. ......

• [Scot. Hist.] lib. ii. in Finano [f. 22 b.]

' [" The parish church is said to have been dedicated to St. Fergus. At one of the doors
of the church stands a stone cut like a trough, which has no doubt held the holy water. In
the church-yard dyke there is a stone six feet high, on the one side of which is a crucifix
[r. cross] distinctly cut. On the top of one of the hills belonging to T3'rebagger, there is a
Druidical temple. It consists of ten long stones placed in a cu-cular form ; the diameter of
it is about twenty-four feet. The highest of the stones, which stand on the south side, are
about nine feet above ground ; the lowest, which are on the north side, four and a half
There is one stone placed on its edge, betwixt the two southmost stones, which is about six
feet high. They are all rough stones and of great bulk." Stat. Ace. of Scot., vol. iii., pp.
131, 132. Edinb. 1792. See also New Statist. Ace. of Scot., part xxv., pp. 120—123
Edinb. 1840. " Dyce was, in the earliest times, called the chapel of St. Fergus, near
Moss Feetach." Stat. Ace. of Scot., vol. xiii., p. SI. Edinb. 1794.

An engraving of the sculptured stone in the churchyard will be found in the Archaeologia
Scotica.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— FINTRAY. 245

FINTRAY.

INTRAY hath for its tutelar Saint Giles.'

This church, being inconveniently situated, is now
become ruinous, a new one having been built by
Sir William Forbes of Craigievai-, A. D. m.dcc.iii.,
but which I cannot say is consecrated. This new
church has an isle for this family, wherein there is
also a room for their use ; and, again, within it, a
hearth and cupboard, etc. ; so that people may eat and drink, and
even smoak in it, if they will : a profaneness unheard of throughout
all antiquity, and worthy of the age wherein we live ; for, since the
Revolution, the like liberty has been taken as to several churches in

the south, as particularly Newbottle, and

Saint Giles in Hatton, where the Abbot of Lendoris had for- chappei.
merly a summer seat.

LaiMINgton, the seat of Forbes of Craigievar, baronnet, a fair Mannors.
house, warmly and pleasantly situated, begun by Sir John, and en-
larged by the late Sir William Forbes.*

DisBLAiR, belonging formerly to the Rollands, (though built be-
fore that by one Forbes, of Craigievar's family,) and of late to one
Forbes, (of Balfluig's family,) is now Skene's.-
Here is store of limestone.

' [" The minister has in his possession a silver cup belonging to the parish, bearing date
1632, which, tradition says, was formed from a silver head of St- Meddan, the tutelar saint of
the parish ; which in the days of popish superstition, was wont to be carried through the
parish in procession, for the purpose of bringing down rain, or clearing up the weather, as
circumstances might require.'' New Statistical Account of Scotland, part xxv., p. 168.
Edinb. 1840.]

* See afterward in Corse, in Leochel parish.

2 [" David Camerarius, seu Chalmer, sacerdos Catholicus, antiqua et nobili Fintriae
familia, vir insigni literatura, Graece et Latine doctus, vita continenti ac probatissimis niori-
bus, in Galliis, Hispaniis, Italiaque diu versatus, magna modestiae et integritatis apud omnes
opinione. Scripsit pleraque ; in his est ' Lysander et Lucina, lib. i.' Hoetica historia

2 I

246 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Carta fundacionis ecclesie et monasterii de Londors • in siluis de Ironsyde
infra vicecomitatum de Fyffe • per Comitem Dauid fratrem Regis
Willelmi.' (1202—1206.)

Uniuersis sancte matris ecclesie filiis et fidelibus tam presentibus quam
futuris Comes Dauid frater Regis Scocie salutera • Sciatis me fundasse
quandam Abbaclam apud Londors de ordine Kelchoensi adhonorem Dei • et
Sancte Marie Uirginis • et Sancti Andree Apostoli • Omniumque Sancto-
rum • pro salute anime Dauid Regis aui mei • et pro salute anime Comitis
Henrici patris mei • et Comitisse Ade matris mee • et Malcolmi Regis fratris
mei • et pro salute anime Regis Willelmi fratris mei • et Regine Armegard •
et omnium antecessorum meorum • et pro salute anime mee et Matildis
Comitisse sponse mee • et pro salute anime Dauid filii mei • et omnium
successorum meorum • et pro salute animarum fratrum et sororum
mearum • Concessi eciara et hac carta mea confirraaui predicte Abbacie
de Londors et monachis ibidem Deo seruientibus / in liberam et puram et
perpetuam elemosinam • ecclesiam de Londors cum omnibus pertinenciis
suis et terram ad predictam ecclesiam pertinentem in bosco et piano sicut
eam Magister Thomas tenuit et habuit • et ecclesiam de Dunde cum
omnibus pertinenciis suis • et ecclesiam de Fintrith cum omnibus perti-
nenciis suis • et ecclesiam de Inuerurin cum capella de Munkegin et cum
omnibus aliis pertinenciis suis • et ecclesiam de Durnach • et ecclesiam de
Frame • et ecclesiam de Radmuriel • et ecclesiam de Inchemabanin • et
ecclesiam de Culsamuel • et ecclesiam de Kelalcmund • cum capellis
earundem ecclesiarum et terris et decimis et omnibus aliis pertinenciis
earum • ad proprios usus et sustentaciones eorundem monachorum • Quare
uolo et concede ut predicti monachi habeant et teneant in perpetuam et
puram elemosinam predictas ecclesias cum capellis et terris et decimis et
omnibus aliis pertinenciis suis • sine omni seruicio et consuetudine et aux-
ilio seculari et esaccione • bene et in pace • libere • quiete • plenarie • in-
tegre • et honorifice / sicut aliqua Abbacia uel domus relligionis in toto
regno Scocie • melius • liberius • quiecius • plenius • et honorificencius •

elegantissima, qua vitae spiritualis, speculativae, ut loquuntur, et activae, perfectio contine-
tur ; et habet excursus venustissimos. ' In Jus Canonicum aliqua, lib. i.' Vivit Romae,
patriae necessarius, omnibus vitae integritate carus." T. Dempsteri Hist. Eccles. Gent.
Scot., t. i., p. 196.]

' [From the original in the Denmylne Collection of Charters, MS. Advocates'
Library .]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— FINTRAY. 247

aliquas ecclesias uel aliquas alias elemosinas habet et possidet • Has aiiteni
ecclesias prenominato Monasterio de Londors • et monachis ibidem Deo
seruientibus ita libere et pacifice iure perpetuo possidendas concessi et con-
firmaui / ut mihi succedencium nullus aliquid ab eis nisi solas oraciones ad
anime salutem exigere presumat • Hiis testibus • Willelmo Rege Scocie •
Johanne episcopo Aberdonensi • Radulfo episcopo Brehinensi • Osberto
abbate Kelchoensi / Henrico abbate de Aberbrudoc • Simone archidiacono
de Aberdeen • Roberto decano de Aberdeen • Waltero officiali ■ Matheo
de Aberdeen clerico Domini Regis • Dauid de Lindeseia • Waltero Oli-
fard • Roberto Basset • Walkelino filio Stepbani • Willelmo Was-
celin • Galfrido de Watervile • Normano filio Malcomi constabularie de
Inuerurin • Henrico de Beuile • Matheo falconario • Simone Flamang •
cum aliis multis •

Bulla Pape • Innocencij • iii • de confirmacione priuilegiorum • ' (a .d.

1199.)
Guideni abbati Monasterij Sancte Marie de Lundoris • eiusque fratribus
tam presentibus quamfuturis regularem uitam professis in perpetuum • Relli-
giosam uitam eligentibus Apostelicum conuenit adesse presidium • ne forte
cuiuslibet temeritatis incursus aut eos a proposito reuecet • aut robur •
quod absit • sacre relligionis infringat • Eapropter dilecti in Domino filij
uestris pestulacionibus clementer annuimus • et prefatum Monasterium in
quo diuino estis obsequio mancipati • sub Beati Petri et nostra proteccione
suscipimus • et presentis scripti patrecinie communimus • In primis siqui-
dem statuentes ut ordo monasticus qui secundum Deum et Beati Benedicti
regulam in eodem Monasterio institutus esse dinoscitur perpetuis ibidem
temporibus iuuiolabiliter ebseruetur • Preterea quascunque possessienes •
quecunque bona • ibidem Monasterium impresentiarum iuste ac canenice
possidet • aut in futurum concessione Pontiticum • largicione Regum uel
Principum • oblacione fidelium • seu alijs iustis modis prestante Domino ■
poterit adipisci / firma nobis uestrisque successeribus et illibata perraa-
neant • In quibus hec preprijs duximus exprimenda uecabulis • Locum
ipsum in quo prefatum Monasterium a dilecto filio nobili uiro Dauid
Comite • fratre carissimi in Christo filij nostri Willelmi illustris Scocie
Regis constructum est • cum omnibus pertinencijs suis • per suas rectas

' [From The Chartularies of Balmerino and Lindores, now first printed from the Origi-
nal MSS. in the Library of the Faculty of Advocates, appendix, no. ii. Edinb. 1841. 4to.]

248 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

diuisas • et liberam curiam in terra uestra • et firmam pacem infra
diuisas ipsius uille de Lundoris • sicut carta dicti Comitis testatur •
Ecclesiara quoque eiiisdem uille de Lundoris • cum omnibus pertinenciis
suis • scilicet • capellam de Dundemor • et terram ad predictam ecclesiam
pertinentem • per suas rectas diuisas • et alias terras in eadem uilla • sicut
in carta eiusdem Comitis continetur • Insulam que uocatur Redinche • et
piscarias in Thay • iuxta prenominatam insulam • Molendinum de Lun-
doris . cum omni secta sua • et multura • Ecclesiam quoque de Dunde •
cum omnibus pertinencijs suis • et terram ad eandem ecclesiam pertinen-
tem • Et unum toftum in burgo de Dunde liberum et quietum ab omni
seruicio et exaccione • Et unam carrucatam terre in uilla de Neutile • Et in
uilla de Pert • terram que vocatur Insula • Ultra Muneth • Fintreth • per
suas rectas diuisas cum omnibus pertinencijs suis • ecclesiam eiusdem uille
cum pertinencijs suis • In Garuiach • Lethgauel et Malind cum omnibus
pertinencijs suis per suas rectas diuisas • Ecclesiam de Ritcheth cum ca-
pellis suis • scilicet • Inuerurin et Munchegin et alijs pertinencijs suis •
Ecclesiam de Durnah • Ecclesiam de Frame • Ecclesiam de Ratbmuriel -
Ecclesiam de Incbemabanin • Ecclesiam de Culsamuel • In episcopatu Lin-
colniensi ecclesiam de Cuningroue • ecclesiam de Wissinden . In episco-
patu de Stratheren • ecclesiam de Mothel • Ecclesiam de Chelalcmund •
cum capellis predictarum ecclesiarum et terris et decimis ac omnibus
earum pertinenciis ad proprios usus monachorum concessis • Et unum ple-
narium toftum in burgo de Inuerurie liberum et quietum ab omni seruicio
€t exaccione • Decimas omnes quas habetis in terra predicti Comitis . et
extra • Ex donacione quoque Regis Scocie / unum plenarium toftum in
burgo de Beruic • et aliud plenarium toftum in burgo de Striuelin • ple-
narium toftum in burgo de Carel • plenarium toftum in burgo de Pert -
plenarium toftum in burgo de Forfar • plenarium toftum in burgo de
Munros - et unum plenarium toftum in burgo de Aberden • et terram
unam in uilla de Pert • in libero burgagio • Sane noualium uestrorum
que proprijs manibus aut sumptibus colitis • sine de uestrorum animalium
nutrimentis • nuUus a uobis decimas exigere uel extorquere presumat •
Liceat quoque uobis clericos uel laicos liberos et absolutes e seculo fugien-
tes ad conuersionem recipere • et eos absque contradiccione aliqua reti-
nere • Prohibemus insuper ut nulli fratrum uestrorum post factam in
Monasterio predicto professionem fas sit sine Abbatis sui licencia de eodem
loco discedere • discendentem uero absque communium litterarum uestra-
rum cautione nullus audeat retinere • Cum autem generale interdictum

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— KINTORE. 249

terre fuerit etc • Crisma uero etc • Sepulturam preterea ipsius loci libe-
ram esse decernimus etc ■ Prohibemus insuper ut infra fines etc • Ad
hec etiam inhibemus ne quis in uos etc ■ Obeunte uero te nunc eiusdem
loci Abbate uel tuorum quoliber successor um nullus ibi qualibet surrepcio-
nis astutia seu uiolentia preponatur etc • Decernimus ergo ut nulli om-
nino hominum liceat prefatam domum temere perturbare • aut eius
possessiones auferre etc ■ sed omnia integra conseruentur etc ■ Salua
sedis Appostolice autboritate et diocesani Episcopi canonica iusticia . Si qua
igitur in futurum ecclesiastica secularisue persona etc • Datum Laterani
per manum Rainaldi Domini Pape notarij cancellarij uicem agentis
• XIII . Kalendas Aprilis • Indiccione prima • Incarnationis Dominica
anno • m • cxcviii • Pontificatus uero Domini Innocencij • Pape • in •
Anno • II .

Libertas foreste de Fyntre • ' (a. d. 1251.)

Alexander Dei gracia Rex Scotorum • Omnibus probis hominibus tocius
terre sue Salutem • Sciatis quod concessimus Abbati et conuentui de Lun-
dores ut babeant et teneaut totum boscum suum in feodo de Fyntreth in
liberam forestam • Quare firmiter prohibemus ne quis in dicto bosco sine
eorura licencia secet aut uenetur super nostram plenariam forisfacturam
decem librarum • Testibus • Gilberto de Haya • Johanna de Vallibus • et
Johanne de Hyrdmanstoun • Apud Kingorne • xx° • die Mali • Anno
regni Domini Reg-is ■ secundo •

KINTORE.

INTORE, for its tutelar, hath the Virgin Maiy.'^

It has two silver chalices, gifted by Mary Erskine,
Countess Marishal, and mother to the first Earl of
Kintore.

at HaLFOREST. Chappel.

Halforest, an old ruinous castle, said to have Manners,
been built by King Robert I. for a hunting-hall, as

' [From the Cliartularies of Balmerino and Lindores, p. 10.]

' [" This parish belonged formerly to the presbytery of Aberdeen ; but by an act of

250 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

they call it ; that is, for a lodging to retire into for refreshment, after
hunting in the forest. It was four story high, having besides, (what
they call,) a capehouse and battlements ; no drawbridge ; a ladder,
instead of a stair. By this ladder men entered in at the second
story, but then drew it up after them, when they would. It was
afterward given to the Earl Marishal ; who, in process of time,
gave it to that son of his who was created first Earl of Kintore.

Carta Roberti de Kethe militis • ' (a. d. 1324.)

Robertus etc. Sciatis nos etc. confirmasse dilecto et fideli nostro Roberto
de Ketbe militi • omnes terras et omnia tenementa subseripta cum perti-
nenciis quas et que idem Robertus de nobis tenuit in capite / et apud Ber-
wicum super Twedam • die Mercurii proximo post Festum Omnium Sanc-
torum • anno regni nostri • nono decimo • in pleno consilio nostro ibidem
tento coram magnatibus nostris / per fustim et baculum uobis sursum reddidit
etresignauit • videlicet • Terras de Keithe Marescalle cum ofEcio Marescallie
regni nostri eidem terre pertinente • Keithe Symon • Calbanestoun • Al-
nedeu in Buchania • cum noua foresta • InuerpefEr ■ quatuor dauatas terre
in Strabolgin • et Forestam de Kintor • cum omnibus libertatibus et per-
tinenciis eisdem terris et officio pertinentibus • Habendas et tenendas •
dicto Roberto • et Roberto filio quondam Joanuis de Keithe militis
filii prefati Roberti de Keithe • et heredibus masculis de corpora
eiusdem Roberti filii dicti quondam Joanuis de Keithe legitime procre-
andis cognomen de Keithe et arma gerentibus • legitimisque heredibus
masculis de eodem Roberto filio dicti Joannis deficientibus • heredibus
masculis de prefato Roberto de Keithe milite legitime procreandis /
quibus deficientibus Eduardo de Keithe militi fratri dicti Roberti militis
et heredibus masculis de corpore suo legitime exeuntibus • Ac legitimo
exitu masculo de eodem Eduardo deficiente / propinquioribus heredibus mas-
culis predicti Roberti de Keithe militis cognomen et arma predicta princi-
paliter gerentibus • in feodo et hereditate in perpetuum • Faciendo inde

synod in 1702, was for a time annexed to Tiie Garioch, and has continued in that presbytery
ever since." Stat. Ace. of Scot., vol. xiii., p. 83. Edinb. ITO*.]

' [From the Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. i., p. 122., unpublished. In a
roll of lost charters of King Robert I. is " Carta Roberti Keith of the Forrest of Kin-
tor, except the Park." Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 2.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— KINTORE. 251

nobis et heredibus nostris omnia seruicia debita et consueta In cuius rei
testimonium etc • Testibus etc • Apud Bervicum super Twedam septimo
die mensis Nouembris • Anno regni nostri supradicto •

Carta • Johannis de Dunbarre • Comitis Morauie.' (a. d. 1375.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex • Scottorum / Omnibus [efc] Sciatis nos dedisse
[e^c] Johanni de Dunbare • filio nostro • dilecto • Comiti Morauie • om-
nes et singulas terras nostras Thanagij de Kyntor • saluis et retentis nobis
vniuersis et singulis tenandijs llberetenentibus terris liberetenencium • ac
canis nobis debltis • de Thanagio supradicto • Tenendas et habendas dicto
Johanni et dilecte filie nostre Mariorie sponse sue [etc.'] de nobis et heredi-
bus nostris . in feodo • et hereditate [etc.'] in vnam integram et liberam
baronlam [etc.'] in bondis • bondagljs • natiuis et eorura sequells [etc.]
Faclendo inde [etc.] seruiciura vnius • militis • in exercltum nostrum •
et communem sectam ad curiam vlcecomltls nostri de Aberden annuatim

[etc.] In cuius rei etc • Testibus etc ■ Apud vicesimo sexto die

Augusti . Anno Regni nostri • Qulnto •

Altera carta elusdem Johannis • Comitis Morauie -^ (a. d. 1383.)

[Robertus Dei gracia Rex] Scottorum ■ Omnibus [etc.] Sciatis nos de-
disse [etc.] dilecto filio nostro Johanni de Dunbarre Comiti Morauie omnes

et singulas terras nostras Thanagij de Kyntore vicecomltatu de

Abirdene cum omnibus et singulis tenandijs llberetenentibus et terris libere-
tenencium ac canis nobis debltis • de [Thanagio supradicto] • excepta
tenandia de Thaynstona • Tenendas [etc.] In cuius rei testimonium [etc.]
Testibus [etc.] Apud Kyncardyn vicesimo tercio die Januarij • Anno
regni nostri duodecimo •

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 140. King David II. granted charters " to
Mauld Bruce, sister to the King, of the lands of Fromerteine, and Thanage of Kintore"; —
" to William Chalmer, of the lands of Thanstoun and Foullertoun, and of the duty of
Kinkeld and Dys " ; — " to Robert Glen, of the lands of Glasgow lo forest, in the Thane-
dom of Kentore " ; " to the Earl of Sutherland and his spouse of the half of Foirmartein
and half of the Thanedome of Kintore." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, pp. 36,
38, 39, 62, 63.)]

^ [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 161.]

252

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.
KINNELLAR."

NIGG.

IGG hath for its tutelar Saint Fiacre, son to
Eugenius IV., King of Scotland, whose anniversary
is August thirtieth. He left his own country, and
became a hermit in the bishoprick of Meaux, and
dyed about the year dc.xlviii.* Saint Faro,
bishop here,f gave him a retirement in his dio-
cese at Breuil, in Brie, and built him a chappel

' [ " Three cairns, with broatl bases, still remain in this parish. One of them, called
Cairnoveil, is upon the farm of KinncUar ; another, on the farm of Nether Auquhorsk ; and
the third, called The Cairn of Semblings, on the top of the hill of Auchronie. Upon the
farm of Blackhill were formerly several small cairns, which have been opened. In one of
them were three concentric circles of stones, and within the innermost of these circles some
bones still perfect, but white, as if calcined, upon the surface, and black within. In the
wall of the churchyard, there are some great stones, ten feet in length, and four in thick ■
ness, which appear to be the remains of a circle of large stones, that once stood in this situa-
tion. Another smaller circle, of the same sort, appears to have been placed on the summit
of the adjacent hill of Benachard." Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. iii., p. 504.
Edinb, 1792.

An engraving of a sculptured stone in the churchyard of Kinnellar will be found in the
Archaeologia Scotica.

John Row, Principal of King's College from 1632 to 1660, and one of the authors of
" Row's Historic of the Kirk of Scotland," died at Kinnellar, "and was interred at the
west end of the church of Kinellar, in the church-yard." Orem's Description of the
Chanonry in Old Aberdeen, p. 1 65. Lond. 1782., 4to. ; Row's Historic of the Kirk,
pref., pp. liii., liv.]

• See Camerarius [De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, pp. 168 — 170. This writer, who failed to
recognise Saint Fiacre under his Celtic name of Ma Futac, commemorates on the twenty-
sixth of December " Sanctus Mofutacus confessor," who, he tells us, " Celebris habebatur in
Aberdonensi Dioecesi, extatque, non procul a Torrey, insignis ecclesia Sancto Moufutaco
dicata," p. 203.]

t Hildegardus Meldensis, etc. ap. Mabillon. Collier's Dictionary, vol. iv.

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— NIG. 253

with a hospital, where he entertained strangers, and died A.D.

DC.LXX.'

' [To cite all the authors who have written, more or less largely, on Saint Fiacre or
Fefre, would be an almost endless task. It may suffice here to refer the reader to the
Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, estiv. xxx. Aug. ; to Butler's Lives of
the Saints, vol. ii., pp. 378 — 380, and to the authorities there quoted. In France his life
furnished the subject of a miracle play, " La Vie de Monseigneur S. Fiacre, rimee en
Fran(;oys," which has been recently published by M. Achille Jubinal in his Mysteres
Inedits du Quinzieme Siecle, t. i., pp. 304 — 353. Paris, 1837. in-8vo. M. Jubinal, in the
notes to his interesting collection, gives some extracts from an inedited life in prose, " du
glorieux ami de Dieu, monseigneur Saint Fiacre," preserved in the Bibliotheque Royale
at Paris.

" Du Plessis," says Mr. Butler " shows that the name Fiacre was first given to hackney
coaches, because hired coaches were first made use of for the convenience of pilgrims who
went from Paris to visit the shrine of this Saint ; and because the inn where these coaches
were hired, was known by the sign of S. Fiacre. This is also in part the remark of Menage."
A later French writer, M. Monmerque, informs us that the inventor of hackney carriages in
France, was one Nicolas Sauvage, and that they took their name from an image of Saint
Fiacre, which he hung up for a sign, in front of his house in the rue Saint- Martin, opposite
to the rue de Montmorenq/ . Sauvage hired out his carriages by the hour or day ; and it
appeai-s that they were called ^acres before the year 1645. See M. Monmerque's ' Les
Carosses a cinq sols, ou Les Omnibus du dix-septieme siecle.' Paris, 1828. in-12"-

The bay of Nigg, from a corruption of the name of the tutelar saint of the parish,
was called Saint Fittick's bay ; and a spring, on its southern shore, dedicated to his honour,
was long held in much veneration. During the earlier half of the seventeenth century, the
kirk session, and the town council of Aberdeen, passed frequent ordinances forbidding the
inhabitants of the city to resort to " Sanct Fithatk's Well," under pain of temporal and
spiritual censure. (The Book of Bon-Accord, pp. 268, 269.)

"21 Nouember 1630, Barone moderatore. The said day Margrat Dauidson spous to Andro
Adam wes adjudget in ane wnlaw of fyve pundis to be payed to the collector for directing
hir nowriss with hir bairne to Sanct Fiackres well and weshing the bairne tharin for reco-
virie of hir health And the said Margrat and hir nowriss wer ordanit to acknowledge thair
offence before the session for thair fault and for leaveing ane offering in the well.

" The said day it wes ordanit be the haill session in ane voce That quhatsumeuer inha-
bitar within this burgh beis fund going to Sanct Fiackres well in ane superstitious maner for
seikmg health to thame selffis or bairnes shall be censured in penaltie and repentance in such
degree as fornicatouris ar efter tryall and conviction." (Register off the Kirk Sessioun of
the Burgh of Aberdene, vol. iv., MS.)

"In the month of May," writes the minister of the parish in 1793, " many of the lower
ranks from around the adjacent city, come to drink of a well in the bay of Nigg, called the
Downy-well ; and proceeding a little farther, go over a narrow pass. The Brig of ae Hair,
to Downy-hill. It seems to be the remains of some superstitious respect to the fountain

254 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

This parish is properly in Saint Andrew's diocese,' but by that
Primate's dispensation is annexed to this presbytery.'

The church stands hard upon the sea, in The Mernis, having two
silver chalices raised out of the people's oblations, (under Bishop
Halyburton), by Mr. Richard Maitland, its last presbyter.

This parish is that promontory where Granzbin' ends, running out
here into the sea.

Tory is a considerable fisher-tovra, and was made a burgh of
barony by King James IV., A.D. M.cccc.xcv,* in favour of, and
for the accommodation of, such pilgrims as were wont to lodge here
while they travelled in pilgrimage to Aberbrothock Abbay, to which
this town then belonged ; the Abbot having a seat here with a dove-
cote, etc., near the church.* After the reformation, about the one
half of it was possessed by Menzies of Pitfoddels, and the other,
by Forbes of Monymusk; but it now belongs almost wholly to
[the town of] Aberdeen, though situated on the other side Dee.
It has six boats for great fish, besides lesser ones.

The Cove, (so called from the many caves on the shoar

and retreat of a reputed Saint, gone into an innocent amusement." Statistical Account
of Scotland, vol. vii., p. 213. Edinb. 1793.]

' [In the deanery of The Mearns. It was valued in the " Taxatio eeclesiarum" at ten
merks. See Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, p. 37 ; Registrum de Dunfermelj-n,
p. 211. Edinb. 1842, 4to.]

2 [In the " HEPi jTE*ANnN, sive De Coronis Martyrum in Scotia," of John Jonston,
professor of theology at St. Andrews, (MS. Advocates' Library,) is a copy of verses in-
scribed " Gulielmus Carmichael, scholae Abredonensis rector, et in aede Fiacrii trans
Deanae ecclesiae minister, praeceptor meus, obiit circa Kal. Aug. 1381."]

* [" On the first Grampian Hill, near Aberdeen, is a huge Heap of Stones, call'd the
Cairn of Loirston, as large as any I ever saw of that kind in Scotland." Gordon's Iti-
nerarium Septentrionale, p. 162. Lond. 1726. fol.]

* Registrum de Arbroth, ap. Dr. M'Kenzie's Lives, vol. i., p. 467.

* [" Lately the remaining ruins of an edifice, belonging to the Abbey of Arbroath,
were dug up, on the upper part of the harbour. A burial ground was nigh. Silver pieces
struck on Queen Mary's miuriage, 1559, and others, were found. It retains the name of
" Abbot's Walls." Stat. Ace. of Scot., vol. vii., p. 214. Edinb. 1793.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— NIG. 255

here,) another fisher towB in this parish, has the like number of
boats.

AT Upper Tory. chappei.

[Lectiones in festo B • Fotini episcopi et confessoris • •
Beatus Fotinus ex Gallorum nobili familia natus Lugdonensis Episcopus
fuit / qui cum nonagenarius esset [etc.'] • Constituto autem eo jam sene
coram presidibus in tribunaU / impie gentis vndique clamor extolli-
tur / Fotinum Christianum esse intonant • A preside vero interro-
gatus cuius esset fidei vel professionis ei respondit / Christianus sum
et pro Christi nomine ad omnia penarum genera sustinenda promptus •
At ministri iudicum tanquam canes rabidi succensi furore in virum Dei
acriter iecerunt manus et ligamentis ligauerunt eum vero diris funi-
culis • Vir Dei pro Christi amore illorum minas minime formidando :
quecunque illata pacienter sustinuit : namque delaniatores illi non verentes
iusti Dei iusticiam sanctum virum senem et ferme decrepitum quam maxi-
mis aiEciebantur tormentis : cum alii crines eius euellentes alii alaphas in
faciem dederunt et deridendo blasphemauerunt / modo hie / mode illuc /
ante et retro / trahentes ducebant in tantum quod seminecem diuersis penis
eum reddiderunt et in carcere sic inhumaniter deductus paulo post spiritum
Deo reddidit • Deinde fama beati Fotini per parcium raundi climata voli-
tante prefertur ad eos qui Britannic finibus incolunt boreali presertim plaga
eiusdem in qua non longe a Dee fluuii conspectu in ipsius honore basilica
constructa est • Quidam adolescens a natiuitate claudus vt pedes ad ipsius
lumbos inuicem contract! fuerunt inseparabiliter inherentes vt se gressu
pedum mouere nequiuerat / parentes eum somniorum accepto consilio ad sanc-
tum duxerunt Fotinum quem inter se in ceneuectorio quodam ibidem in dicta
basilica detulerunt : qui triduo in oracionibus perseuerans meritis beati Fotini
sanitati restitutus est • Diulgato autem illico miraculo quidam edropicus
qui medicinab arte quoquomodo incurabilis fuit sancto Fotino iter arripuit

' [From the Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro tempore hyemali, ff. xxiii.,
xxiv. The reader will readily recognise in Fotinus, the bishop of Lyons who suffered in
that persecution towards the end of the second century, of which so moving a record has
been preserved by Eusebius (lib. v., c. 1 — 3.) in the fragments of a letter from the
churches of Vienne and Lyons to their brethren in Asia and Phrygia.

It does not appear whether the church of S. Fotin, referred to in the Breviary, stood
at Torry, on the south, or at Futty, en the north side of the Dee.]

256 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

similiter et muliercula apostemate quodam per quinquennium grauiter
vexata in tantum quod pocius optaret mori quam in tanta pena similiter
torqueri / que beato Fotino eidem peregrinari vouebat : et illuc simul acce-
dentibus ambo a morbis suis diuina curacione beati Fotini precibus glo-
riosis sanati sunt • Accidit etiam quod nutrix cuiusdam domini temporalis
infantem casu in necem suppreserat / pro cuius facinore indignatus dominus
ille nutricem morti tradi acerrime iussit : nutrix vero tremebunda infantem
iam mortuum arripuit / Omnipotent! Deo Beateque Virgini Marie pias cum
lacrimis efFudit preces : Et versus ecclesiam beati Fotini martyris cum sus-
piriis et fletibus eiulando accessit : vbi infantem coram altari dicti martyris
deponens in qua per triduum / ieiuniis / vigiliis / et oracionibus / perseuer-
anter permansit : tandem vigiliis defessa aliquantulum dormiens in sompnis
beatus Fotinus pontificali indutus infantem tetigit : ex cuius tactu illico diuina
virtute reuixit : et sue nutrici applaudendo lacrimas emisit / ex quo ingenti
miraculo totus populus laudem dedit Deo.

Carta Regis Willelmi de ecclesia de Nyg • ' (1189—1199.)

• W • Dei gracia Rex Scottorum • Omnibus probis hominibus tocius
terra sue • clericis et laicis • Salutem • Sciant presentes et futuri me

• dedisse • et concessisse • et hac carta mea confirmasse • Deo et ecclesie
Sancti Thome de Abirbrothoc • et monachis ibidem Deo seruientibus •
ecclesiam de Nyg • in terris • et decimis • et cum aliis omnibus ad eccle-
siam illam iuste pertinentibus • et cum communi pastura . Tenendam in
liberam et perpetuam elemosinam • Ita libere . et quiete • plenarie • et ho-
norifice • sicut alias elemosinas suas in terra mea • liberius • quiecius •
plenius • et honorificencius • tenent et possident • Testibus • M • epis-
copo Aberdonensi • J • episcopo Katenensi • Hugone cancellario • A •
abbate de Dunfermelyn • Jocellino archidiacono Dunkeldensi • Wal-
tero priore de Insula • Roberto capellano • Roberto de Quincy • Wil-
lelmo de Lyndesai • Willelmo de Haya • Apvd Perth •

Carta Willelmi episcopi de ecclesia de Nig • ^ (1202 — 1233.)

VV illelmus • diuina permissione ecclesie Sancti Andree humilis minister •
Omnibus sancte matris ecclesie filiis ad quos presens scriptum peruene-

1 [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

2 [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— NIG. 257

rit • salutem et benediccionem • Nouerit uniuersitas uestra nos dedisse
concessisse et present! carta nostra confirmasse Deo et ecclesie Sancti
Thome Martiris de Aberbrothoc et abbati et conuentui Deo ibidem seruien-
tibus - ecclesiam de Nig ■ cum capellis • decimis • et oblacionibus . et
omnibus aliis ad ecclesiam illam pertinentibus • adeo libere [etc.] Saluis
episcopalibus • iuxta quod continetur in cirographo inter nos facto • et
saluis manentibus nobis et successoribus nostris terris predicte ecclesie de
Nig • Vt autem hec donacio nostra rata et inconcussa teneatur in poste-
rum eam sigllli nostri munimiiie roborauimus . Testibus ■ Symone priore
Sancti Andree • domino Willelmo de Boscho • et magistro Laurencio •
archidiaconis nostris • Petro et Edwardo capellanis nostris • magistro
Symone de Sancto Andrea • magistro Adam Ouid • magistro Mi-
chaele • magistro Stephano de Lilisclive • magistro Petro de Driburg •
magistro Ricardo de Dover • Willelmo de Golin • et Symone de
Nusy • clericis nostris • et Dionisio decano de Anegus •

Carta Regis Alexandri de terra de Nig • ' (a. d. 1233.)

Alexander Dei gracia Rex Scottorum • omnibus [etc.l salutem • Sciant
presentes et futuri nos dedisse [etc.'] Deo • et Beate Marie • et Sancto
Thome Martiri de Abirbrothoc • et monachis ibidem Deo seruientibus et
in perpetuum seruituris in dotem ecclesie sue de Abirbrothoc quam dedi-
care fecimus • totam terram nostram de Nyg • Tenendam et habendam
eisdem monachis in liberam puram et perpetuam elemosinam • in boscho et
piano • in terris et aquis • in pratis et pascuis • in moris et maresijs • in
stagnis et molendinis • cum socco et sacca • cum furca et fossa • cum
toll • et teme • et infangandthef • et cum natiuis eiusdem terre • et cum
placitis et loquelis ad coronam nostram spectantibus • et cum omnibus
aliis iustis pertinenciis suis / quietam ab omni exercitu auxilio consue-
tudine et omni exactione seculari • Quare volumus [e^c] saluis nobis
piscariis nostris quas habere consueuimus in predicta terra de Nyg •
Concessimus eciam eisdem monachis ut predictam terram de Nyg ha-
beant in liberam forestam • Quare firmiter prohibemus ne quis sine
eorum licencia in eadem terra de Nig secet aut venetur / super nostram
plenariam forisfacturam decem librarum • Testibus . A • episcopo Mo-
rauiensi • W • electo Glasguensi cancellario • W • filio Alani senes-

' [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

258 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

callo justiciarlo Scocie • Laurencio de Abirnythy • J • de Maccuswell
camerario • R • Avenell • H • de Striuelyn filio comitis • Johanne de
Vallibus • David de Hasting • Apud Forfar . tercio die Julij . Anno
regni nostri . nono decimo •

Notandum de diuisis et metis terra de Nyg •' (a. d. 1281.)

Cum lis moueretur inter Willelmum abbatem et conuentum de Aber-
brothoc • ex parte vna • et Pliilippum de Findon • et Thomam iilium
Thayni de KoUy • ex parte altera • super quibusdam diuisis terrarum
suarum vicinaliter iacencium • Tandem in plena curia iusticiarie coram
Domino Hugone Dei gracia episcopo Abirdonensi • Domino Alexandre
Cumyn comite de Buchan et tunc iusticiario • Domino Reginaldo le Chen
patre • et multis aliis railitibus et probis hominibus / inter ipsos super moram
de Nyg • die Mercurij in Vigilia Apostolorum Philippi et Jacobi • anno
gracie • m" • cc" • octogesimo primo • amicabillter ex consilio vtriusque
partis in hunc modum lis mota sopitur • scilicet • Quod ex utraque parte
pro bono pacis et finali concordia dictus Abbas pro se et suo conuentu •
et dicti Philippus et Thomas pro se et suis heredibus • concesserunt quod
ab isto die placitorum vsque in perpetuum • de Glaearethy usque ad riuu-
lum de Aldynny sub via • et sic per Ulam viam vsque Badvena • et sic
ascendendo vsque ad Feth de Bodufygle • inter ipsos • et eorum succes-
sores et eorum homines in communi in perpetuum utatur et teneatur • Et
hoc exprimitur in rotulis iusticiarij de Kinkardyn •

Assedacio terrarum de Turry Alexandre Fraser • ^ (a. d. 1312.)

Omnibus Christi fidelibus ad quos presentes httere peruenerint / Frater
Bernardus permissione diuina Abbas de Aberbrothoc et eiusdem loci
conuentus humilliraus • Salutem in Domino sempiternam • Sciant nos
pensata communi utilitate nostra et monasterij nostri ex unanimi consensu
capituli nostri / concessisse Alexandre Fraser filio quondam Domini An-
drea Fraser raUitis • pro fideli consilio auxilio suo et labore nobis et
monasterio nostro impenso et in posterum impendendo / et pro iure quod
habuit vel habere poterit ad pensionem annui redditus de Coneveth sibi
factam per Dominum Johannem dudum Abbatem de Aberbrothoc et con-

1 [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]
- [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— NIG. 259

uentum eiusdem loci / totam terram nostram de Turry • cum suis iustis
pertinenciis et oneribus toto tempore vite sue / sicut predecessores nostri et
tenentes eorum ipsam terram cum suis libertatibus tenuerunt / Exceptis ac
saluis nobis decimis ecclesie nostre de Nyg et statu eiusdem ecclesie in
omnibus • Et salua nobis et monasterio nostro post mortem dicti Alexandri
integre terra nostra predicta de Turry cum edificiis nunc constructis in
eadem et per ipsum et homines suos quos induxerit de cetero construendis •
Et sciendum est quod si aliqua decima a populis vel aliud onus extraordi-
narium per Papam vel clerura predicte terre de Turry imponatur dictus
Alexander de hiis non tenebitur respondere • In cuius rei testimonium
commune sigillum capituli nostri est appensum • Datum apud Aber-
brothoc • die Jouis proxima post festum Translacionis Sancti Thome
Martiris anno gracie • millesimo • ccco . Duodecimo •

Litera obligatoria Alexaudri Eraser pro assedacione terrarum de Turry • '
(a. d. 1312.)

Omnibus Christi fidelibus ad quos presentes litere peruenerint Alexander
Eraser filius quondam Domini Andree Eraser militis salutem in Domino •
Quia religiosi viri Dominus Bernardus Dei gracia Abbas de Aberbro-
thoc • et eiusdem loci conuentus concesserunt et saluam tenent in me
terram suam de Turry cum pertinenciis pro tempore vite mee prout litere
ipsorum mihi super hoc confecte plenius testantur . Ego grate animo pro-
misi et promitto eisdem et per presentes literas fateor me teneri ad pres-
tandum eis et eorum monasterio de cetero fidele consilium auxilium et la-
borem meum cum necesse fuerit in omnibus agendis suis quociens fuero
requisitus et quomodo potero interesse sumptibus monasterij secundum
racionabilem modum vocacionis • Salua fide Domini nostri Regis et alio-
rum dominorum meorum priorum • Et specialiter ad manutenendum et
promouendum terras et homines eorundem in iure suo iuxta posse meum •
Et super hiis dictis religiosis et eorum successoribus pro tempore mee
fidelitatis prestiti sacramentum • resignaui eciam eisdem et per presentes
resigno pensionem annuam mihi factam per Dominum Johannem dudum
Abbatem de Aberbrotboc et eiusdem loci conuentum • predecessorem vide-
licet dicti Domini Bernard! . percipiendam de annuo redditu de Coneveth /
Ita quod scriptum mihi inde confectum nullius penitus sit firraltatis •

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

260 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

In quorum omnium testimonium presentibus sigillum meum est appensum •
Datum apud Aberden / die Jouis proximo ante festum Beate Marie Mag-
dalene • Anno gracie • m° • ccc° • xii" •

Assedacio batelle de Kyncorth Gilberto Arthur et Andree de Kyncorth /
pro termino • xix • annorum • ' (a. d. 1436.)

Uniuersis pateat per presentes nos Walterum permissione diuina Abbatem
monasterij Sancti Thome Martiris de Aberbrothoc / et eiusdem loci con-
uentum / ordinis Sancti Benedict! Sancti Andree diocesis / assedasse et
ad firmam dimisisse dilectis nostris Gilberto Arthur et Andree de Kyn-
corth / ac eorum diutius viuenti / passagium nostrum superius iuxta
terram nostram de Kyncorth / cum omnibus commoditatibus asiamentis et
pertinentiis / pro termino • xix • annorum a data presencium plenarie
complendorum / soluendo inde annuatim predict! Gilbertus et Andreas
vel eorum alter • xviii • solidos et • xii • capones cum oneribus de
dicto passagio debitis et consuetis • Et quod predict! Gilbertus et Andreas
toto tempore assedationis eiis facte barcam sine batellam sufficientem et
paratam pro omnibus aduenientibus equestribus et pedestribus recipient
inuenient et sufficienter sumptibus suis sustentabunt et manutenebunt / ac
in exitu assedationis eorum batellam conueuientem pro huiusmodi labore
decenter relinquent et dimittent • Et si predict! Gilbertus et Andreas in
solucione firmarum suarum aut nobis vel nostris inept! fuerint rebelles aut
dampnos! aut conditionem premissam non adimpleuerint licebit nobis et
successoribus nostris de predicto passagio cum pertinentiis ordinare et dis-
ponere pro libito voluntatis nostre / predicta assedatione non obstante •
In cuius re! testimonium sigUlum commune capituli nostri presentibus est
appensum • apud mouasterium nostrum predictum • nono die Marcij •
anno Domini • millesimo • cccc" . tricesimo quinto •

Presentacio ecclesie de Nyg ■ ^ (a. d. 1453.)

Reuerendo in Christo patri ac domino / Domino Jacobo Dei gracia Epis-
copo Sancti Andree / Ricardus eadem gratia Abbas monasterij Sancti

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]
2 [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS. The same cliartulary
contains a presentation, dated on the tliirtieth of October, 1502, in favour of Su- Andrew
Scherar, to the same cure and benefice, then vacant by the demission of Master Duncan
Scherar.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— NIG. 261

Thome Martiris de Aberbrothoc ordinis Sancti Benedicti et eiusdem
loci conuentus vestre diocesis • Reuerencias et honores • ad perpetuam
vicariam ecclesie parochialis de Nyg vestre dyocesis de iure vacantem per
renunciacionem Domini Hugonis de Wellis ultimi vicarij eiusdem / coram
notario et testibus sponte factam / et cuius ad nos ius patronatus pleno
iure spectare dinoscitur / discretum virum • Dominum Willelmum Scrogs
dyaconum Aberdonensis dyocesis • vestre reuerende paternitati duximus
pvesentandum / et tenore presencium presentamus • Eandem efFectuosius
exorantes quatenus prefatum presentatum nostrum ad huiusmodi vicariam
cum pertinenciis sic vacantem / seu alias quouis mode / admittere velitis •
ipsumque vel procuratorem suum eius nomine in eadem instituere ac alia
sibi facere dignemini que vobis incumbunt ex officio pastorali • Datum sub
sigillo nostro communi apud monasterium nostrum de Aberbrothoc antedic-
tum / Vicesimo quarto die mensis Junij anno Domini • m° • cccc" • quin-
quagesimo tercio •

Assedacio ville de Bannagasck Thome Prat facta • ' (a. d. 1480.)

Uniuersis pateat per presentes nos Dauid Abbatem monasterii de Aber-
brothoc letc-l assedasse et ad firmam dimisisse dilecto nostro Thome Prat
burgensi burgi de Aberden et suis assignatis [etc.'] ita quod assignati et
coadiutores illi non sint maioris status vel potencie quam ille . Totam et
integram viljam nostram de Bannagasck cum pertinenciis et decimis garba-
libus eiusdem ville / iacentem infra baroniam nostram de Torye • una cum
decimis garbalibus villarum nostrarum de CouUe et Carnbrogy infra paro-
chiam nostram de Terwes pro terminis decem et nouem annorum post datam
presencium [e^c] cum potestate libera husbandos et subtenentes expellendi
et imponendi tocies quocies sibi et dictis suis assignatis videbitur expedire
sine impedimento aut contradiccione qualicunque . Soluendo inde annuatim
dictus Thomas [etc.'] pro firma dicte ville cum decimis vUlarum prescrip-
tarum decem et septem libras sex solidos et octo denarios usualis monete
Scocie [etc.'] De quaquidem summa fatemur nos pro redempcione noue proui-
sionis nostre de curia Romana summam centum et quatuor librarum monete
Scocie pre manibus recipisse in plenam solucionem terminorum sex annorum
a termino introitus presencium plenarie successive et inconcusse complen-
dorum / de quorumquidem sex annorum Integra solucione fatemur nos bene

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobil de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

262 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

contentos [_etc.'] Et quia dictum Thomam et assignatos suos nobiscum in
curia nostra et aliis concUiis et auxiliis nostris onerare intendimus sump-
tibus et expensis nostris / ipsum ideo et assignatos et coadiutores suos ab
omni onere husbandali exoneramus • Saluo iure regalitatis nostre • In cuius
rei testimonium sigillum commune capituli nostri presentibus est appensum
una cum subscripcionibus nostris manualibus apud Abberbrotbock • iiij'".
die mensis Februarij / anno Domini • 1480 •

Assedacio garbarum decimalium terre ecclesiastice ecclesie de Nyg / ma-
gistro Duncano Scheirar canonico Aberdonensi • ' (a. d. 1484.)

Uniuersis pateat per presentes nos Dauid permissione diuina Abbatem
monasterij Sancti Thome Martiris de Aberbrothoc [e<c.] assedasse [etcJ]
venerabili viro Magistro Duncano Scheirar canonico Aberdonensi et suis
assignatis uni vel pluribus totas et integras decimas garbales terre ecclesi-
astice ecclesie parochialis de Nyg / Sancti Andree diocesis / cum perti-
nenciis • vulgariter nuncupatis Kerkhil . pro terminis undecim annorum
[efc] Soluendo inde annuatim [e^c] viginti solidos usualis monete regni
Scocie \_etc.'] In cuius rei testimonium sigillum nostrum capituli nostri
presentibus est appensum / Apud monasterium nostrum de Abberbrothoc
secundo die mensis Decembris anno Domini • 1484 •

Carta erectionis ville de Torre in burgum in baronia • ^ (a. d. 1495.)

Jacobus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum omnibus probis hominibus tocius terre
sue clericis et laicis / salutem • Sciatis quod pro singulari devocione quam
habemus beato martiri Sancto Thome / ac Sancto Fotino patrono ville
de Torry / jacentis infra vicecomitatum nostrum de Kinkardin / ac pro
amore et fauore quos gerimus erga venerabilem patrem David Abbatem
monasterij nostri de Abbirbrothoc / nee non asiamento et supportacione
extraneorum alienorum nostrorumque legiorum in dicta villa hospitandorum /
qui venientes extra Montem versus burgum nostrum de Abyrden aliasue
boreales regni nostri partes propter aeris intemperiem aquam de Dee forte
pertransire non poterunt • Infeodauimus creauimus et fecimus / et hac
present! carta nostra infeodamus creamus et facimus / dictam villam de
Torry liberum burgum in baronia pro perpetuo • Concessimus eciam / et hac

1 [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]
'i [From the same.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— NIG. 263

present! carta nostra concedimus / inhabitantibus dictum burgum et in
posterum inhabitaturis plenariam potestatem et liberam facultatem emendi
et vendendi in ipso burgo vina / cerum / pannum laneum et lineum / latum et
artum / aliaque mercimonia quecunque / cum potestate et libertate habendi
pistores / et brasiatores / et carnifices / et tam carnium quam piscium macella-
rios aliosque arcium operarios ad libertatem burgl in baronia qualiter-
cunque spectantes et pertinentes • Concessimus eciam / et hac present)
carta nostra concedimus / ut in dicto burgo sint burgenses • Et iydem /
cum consensu dicti Abbatis et successorum suorum qui pro tempore fuerint /
potestatem habeant futuris temporibus eligendi balliuos aliosque officiarios
pro gubernacione eiusdem burgi necessaries • Nee non concessimus et hac
presenti carta nostra concedimus burgensibus et inhabitantibus dictum
burgum / ut in ipso burgo habeant teneant et possideant pro perpetuo
crucem / et forum die Veneris singulis ebdomadis / et nundinas publicas sin-
gulis annis in festo / sine die / Sancti Fotini cum quatuor diebus inde proximis
sequentibus / cum tbeoloneis et omnibus libertatibus ad huiusmodi nundinas
spectantibus seu iuste spectare valentibus in futurum • Tenendam et ha-
bendam predictam viUam de Torry in liberum ac merum burgum in ba-
ronia / cum suprascriptis priuilegiis libertatibus et concessionibus ac uniuersis
aliis libertatibus proficuis commoditatibus et asyamentis ac iustis pertinen-
ciis quibuscunque tam non nominatis quam nominatis ad burgum baronie
spectantibus / seu iuste spectare valentibus in futurum • Et adeo libere
sicut aliquis burgus in baronia infra regnum nostrum infeodatur seu
tenetur / sine reuocacione quacunque • In cuius rei testimonium presenti
carte nostre magnum sigillum nostrum apponi precepimus • Testibus re-
uerendo in Christo patre Guillelmo episcopo Abirdonensi nostri secreti
sigilli custode • dilectis consanguineis nostris Archibaldo comite An-
gusie domino Dowglas cancellario nostro • Pattricio comite de Botth-
vile domino Halis • Alexandre domino Hume magno camerario
nostro • Johanne domino Drummonde iusticiario nostro - et dilectis
clericis nostris magistris Richardo Murhead decano Glasguensi secre-
tario nostro / et Valtero Drumonde decano Dunblanensi nostrorum
rotulorum et registri ac concilij clerico / Apud Monasterium nostrum de
Abberbrothok undecimo die mensis Decembris anno Domini millesimo qua-
dringentesimo nonagesimo quinto / et regni nostri Octauo • ]

264

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

NETHER-BANCHORY, OR BANCHORY-DEVENY.

Chappels.

Manners.

ETHER Banchory hath for its tutelar Saint
Devinic.

The church here stands hard on Dee, in The
Mernis. It has five silver chalices, made, (under
Bishop Halyburton,) out of the offerings of the
people by Mr. James Gordon,' last parson here.
This parish, being divided by Dee, maintains a
ferry-boat for passing to the church. It serves Aberdeen, (in a great
measure,) with moss, and abounds both with white and red fish.

Ban-chory signifies the ivhite choir, or beautiful church, and in-
deed seems to have been one of the earliest stone churches here.

At Findon, (a fisher-town here, belonging of old to Menzies of
Findon, now to Bannerman of Elsick, knight,) are taken a sort of
little haddocks, named from this place ; which are cured so nicely,
that they are in much request at Edinburgh, and reckoned tender
and sweet as marrow.

There is a causey and port here, built on the highway that leads
to Edinburgh, over a moss in one of the Grampian hills, by [the
town of] Aberdeen, A.D. m.dc.lxxxiv., for the supporting of
which every horse that rides along, pays an acknowledgment.
Saint Ternan's, at Findon, on a rock.

at FoRTLETHiN, built under King Charles I.,

by Mr. Robei-t Buchan of Portlethin, about A.D. m.dc.xxxv.
PiTFODDELs, a castle belonging to the Reids,^ whose heiress

Aoent ane
portrat '*

1 [Author of "The Reformed Bishop: or, XIX Articles tendered by *iX<if;t;aro5, a well-
wisher to the present government of the Church of Scotland (as it is settled by law), in
order to the further establishment thereof. Printed for the Author, Anno Dom.
1679." 8vo.]

2 [" 28 Junij 1640. Doctore Gulielmo Guild moderatore. The session wnderstand-
ing that some capitanes and gentilmen of the regiment of sojeris lying in this tovn had
tein some offence at the portrat of wmquhill Alexander Reid sometyme of Petfoddels as
smelling somequhat of poprie and standing aboue the session hous door ffor removeing of the

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— BANCHORY S. DEVINIC- 2G5

one of the Menzieses, (descended of Weem in Perthshire,) married,
and so got that land ; whence that family, seated at Maryculter, is
now named. The traces of it only are seen, on a hill hard on the
north bank of Dee.

Cults, the work and seat of Mr. Robert Irwin, son to John
Irwin of Murthil, in Peterculter, of Drum's family. Near it are
three cairns, where it's said there was a battle between the Scots
and Picts ; and Our Lady's Well, formerly much resorted to in May
as medicinal.

PoRTLETHiN, (built by him who built the chappel here,) now pur-
chased by one Thomson, town-clerk of Aberdeen.

AucHLUNiES, lately belonging to CoUison of Auchlunies, (of
which their family there have been fifteen generations,) whom I
suppose to have been chief of that name, which was one of the chief
in Aberdeen.

Banchory, built by one Crookshank, an Aberdeen merchant,
and now possessed by James Gordon, son to Gordon of Ardmelie,
in Saint Marnan's parish.

AucHORTiES, Irwin's of Kincaussie.'

quhilk oiFence Ordaines the said portrat to be tein down and not to be sett wp again."
Register off the Kirlc Sessioun of the Burgh of Aberdene, vol. iv., MS ]

' [« There is, in the south side of the parish, a Druidical temple that is worthy of notice.
It is situated on an eminence, about a mile and a half from the coast, and was, till within
these few years, remarkably perfect. It consisted of three circles of stones within each other.
The outer circle, which was about forty-five feet in diameter, consisted of twelve large stones,
placed on end. The inner circles were composed of smaller ones, placed in the same man-
ner, and between the two outermost, upon the east side, there was a stone chest, sunk in
the earth, about three feet long, and one and a half wide, which, having been accidentallj'
uncovered by a country man, he found an urn, which disclosed nothing but a little dust or
ashes. A little farther down the hill, towards the south-east, there is another erection of
the same kind. It consists of one circle of pretty large stones." Statistical Account of
Scotland, vol. iv., p. 456. Edinb. 1792.

In the Archaeologia Scotica, vol. iii., appendix, pp. 45, 46, is printed an " Account of a
grave discovered in the parish of Banchory-Devenick, by Alexander Thomson, Esq. of
Banchory."]

266 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[bANCHORT DEVINICK in ABERDEEN AND THE MERNS. M.DCCXXV.'

The one half of the parish of Banchory Davenick is in the shyre of Aberdeen,
and the other in the shyre of Kincardine, divided by the water of Dee. The
church stands just on the south side of the river, three miles distant from Aber-
deen, and one mile distant from the bridge of Dee. The north side of this parish
maintains a passage-boat, on their own charges, to ferry them on the sabbath day
to the church.

To the north-west of the church, on the other side of the river, one third of a
mile, is the place of Cults. Near bj' the said place there are three large cairns.

To the east of the said place, are the ruines of the old house of Pitfoddels, from
which the laird derives his title, on the very brink of tlie river.

At a short mile's distance south of the said ruins, on the other side of Dee,
at a quarter of a mile's distance, is the house of Banchory, a quarter of a mile from
the church. The laird of Banchory has the only milne which is on the whole
water of Dee.

To the south of Banchory three large miles, are the ruins of an old chapell, and
a yard, where people has been buried, and it has been built just upon a rock.
Hard by the said chappel, there is a medicinal well, commonly called Saint Tar-
nan's Well.

South-west from the said chappell of Findon half a mile, is the house of Port-
lethen. West of the house a short quarter of a mile, is a chapell, which is com-
monly called the chapell of Port Lethen, where there is a yard, and a great many
people buried ; and this present minister preaches once in the fifteen days, in the
afternoon, in the summer time, and once in the twenty days, in the winter time.
Both house and chapell was built by Mr. Robert Buchan, about ninety years agoe.

To the west of the said chapell, a large mile from the church, is the house of
Auchorties, which is three large miles from the church ; and the young lairds of
Kincausie use to abide at this house of Auchorties. To the north of Auchorties
one and a half mile, is the Caulsay Port, with a large caulsaj', which passes
throw a large moss, and the port was built and the caulsay laid, md.c.lxxxiv., by
the city of Aberdeen ; and the said town setts in tack the said port to a man who
gathers up from every horse that passes throw the port eight pennies Scots ; at
the north end, the said caulsay passes throw the Grampian hills, which goe
straight to the sea, and there is a large highway passes from Aberdeen to Edin-
burgh alongs this caulsay.

There are a great many white fish taken in this parish ; and these which are

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— BANCHORY S. DEVINIC. 267

famous, commonly called the Finnan haddocks. As also, there are great numbers
of salmon taken in this parish, out of the water of Dee.

This parish furnishes the city of Aberdeen with a great many peets, the best
that are carried to it.

There is an highway goes from Aberdeen to the Highlands, on the north side of
the river, throw this parish.

The age of the church is not known, but the bell is one hundred and twenty-
years old.

Lectiones in festo Sancti Deuinici confessoris / qui colitur apud Banquhory
Deuynik • '

Beatissimis patribus Columba et Mauricio in Scocia fidem Christi predi-
cantibus Deuinicus confessor Christi perspicuus vita et sanctitate clarus
floruit : homo quidem prouecte ad modum etatis Sanctis et religiosis iugiter
deditus operibus : qui flagrans amore diuino inspiratus Spiritu Sancto dixit ad
Sanctum Mauricium / Vidis o domine quod maximus sit in hac prouincia
populorum numerus cultui idolorum mancipatus et pauci verbi Dei mi-
nistri : seiungamur ergo ore si placet in opus ministerij eo quod per latum
regnum tu vero Pictorum genti verbum Dei annuntia : ego ad Cathino-
rum prouinciam proficiscar et illis Christi fidem annunciare insistem /
• Sanctus Mauricius dixit / Nunc iterum frater iungemur • Et ille / Eciam
in celesti vita iungemur perpetuo et ibi letabimur et gaudebimus cum
Christo : hoc autem tantum te deprecor in Domino ut quoniam me mors

• [From the Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, estiuali, Idibus Nouem-
bris. " S. Devinicus, ' insignis sanctitate, vitaeque innocentia,' inquit H. Boeth. lib. ix.
Hist. Scotic. in fine. Archidiaconus fuit, ut ex annalibus nostratibus constat ; sunt tamen
qui raonachum tantum faciant, et Parisiis theologiam professum : sed revera et suscepit
episcopatum, et susceptum sanctissime administravit ; qua tamen urbe, in patria an alibi,
baud facile divinaverim, puto tamen apud Scotos eo munere functum. Ejus sunt : ' Epis-
tolae ii. ad Machorium, lib. i. ; De componendo Regni Statu, ad Achaium Regem, lib.
i.' Ea enim aetate lethales inter optiraates fovebantur inimicitiae, vix unquam sedatae
citra alterutrius familiae internecionem. Vixit sub Soluathio et Achaio, Scotiae Regibus,
anno d ccc lxxxvii. Colitur die xiii. Novembris. Adami Regis Calendar, et CoUectiones
Bruni. Templum ei in pago Banchri ad Diam supra Aberdoniam." T. Dempsteri Histo-
ria Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., pp. 200, 201. See also D. Camerarii De Scotorvm
Fortitvdine, p. 198 ; G. Conaci De Dvplici Statv Religionis apvd Scotos, p. 42 ; Adam
King's Callendar : " Nouember 13. S. Deuinike bischop and confessor in Scotland vnder
King Soluathius, 887."]

268 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

vicina prestolatur cum mortuus fuero corpus meum facias ad hec loca de-
ferri et hie sepeliri / Sancto autem annuenti abiit Deuinicus ad Cathinos
verbum Dei viriliter ibidem predicans et multos ad fidem Cbristi conuer-
tens • Beatus homo Mauricius totam Pictorum perlustrans regionem predi-
cando exhortando miracula et signa plurima faciendo infinitam eorum
multitudinem fidei subiugauit : principes eciam et duces et quosque no-
biles terre Christo credere fecit : destructis ibique templis idolorum et
subuersis aris ecclesias construi iussit ■ His ferme diebus contigit sanctissi-
mum senem Deuinicum cuius mencionem fecimus longissima confestim se-
nectute huic vite modum facere qui cum perueniret ad extrema vocatis ad
se quibusdam suorum dixit / Cum mortuus fuero tollite corpus meum et
portate ad unam ecclesiarum Sancti Mauricii et dicite ei ut memor pro-
missionis sue de hoc quod ab eo recedens expetiui / Hiis dictis spiritum
emisit • ac sui que jusserat explentes detulerunt eum ad quandam basili-
cam que vicino erat monasterio • Sequenti autem nocte cum Beatus
Mauricius peruigil in oracione duraret vidit Angelos descendentes super
ecclesiam in qua erat corpus Deuinici • Dixit homo sanctus fratribus /
Venit ad nos hospes sanctissimus : venite et visitemus eum et persoluamus
circa eum debitum humanitatis oiBcium / Venientes autem ad ecclesiam non
inuenerunt corpus : transierunt enim portitores et ascenderunt in montem
ibi paululum quiescere cupientes : quos Sanctus cum suis e vestigio subse-
cutus reperit illos in loco qui dicitur / Crostam . Ibi ergo vir deuotus circa
reliquias sancti senis excubans in psalmis / precibus / oracionibus et vigi-
liis assiduis indefessus manebat • Quibus espletis produxerunt corpus ad
locum cuius est vocabulum / Banquhory Deuynik / ibique sepulture honoriiice
tradiderunt : construentes basilicam in illius nomine que usque hodie Ban-
quhory Deuynik senis apellatur : ubi illius sancti interuenientibus meritis
plurima beneficia prestantur infirmis largienti Domino nostro lesu Christo /
cui est honor in sempiterna secula • Amen •

Carta Regis super terra de Banchri Deveny • ' (a. d. 1244.)

Alexander Dei gracia Rex Scotorum omnibus probis hominibus tocius
terre sue salutem . Sciant presentes et futuri nos ad firmam perpetuam
tradidisse Abbati et conuentui de Abirbroth / terram nostram de Banchry
Deveny • Tenendam et habendam eisdem monachis de nobis et succes-

• [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— BANCHORY S. DEVINIC. 269

soribus nostris in perpetuum per rectas diuisas suas [etc.'] Reddendo an-
nuatim centum solidos [etc.] et faciendo forinsecura seruicium quod ad
eandem terram pertinet • Concessimus eciam predictis Abbati et conuen-
tui ut predictam terram teneant in forestam • Testibus • Willelmo abbate
de Cupro • Malcolmo comite de Fyf • Willelmo de Breychyn • Alex-
andre Cumyn • Roberto de Montealto • Gilberto de Haya ■ Eustachio de
BalHola . Apud Innerleyth . Quinto die • Aprilis • Anno regni nostri
Tricesimo •

Carta de Banchri Deueneeh facta Alano Hostiario • ' (a. n. 1256.)

Omnibus Christi fidelibus presentem cartam visuris vel audituris • Wal-
terus Dei gracia Abbas de Abbirbrothoc et eiusdem loci conuentus / Salutem
eternam in Domino • Nouerit uniuersitas vestra nos dedisse [etc.] Domino
Alano Hostiario • tunc justiciario • terram nostram de Bancbry Deue-
neeh • per rectas diuisas suas et cum omnibus iustis suis pertinenciis •
Tenendam et habendam eidem Alano et heredibus suis vel assignatis pro
homagio et seruicio suo [etc.] sicut eandem terram de Domino Rese ad
feudofirmam • liberius • quiecius • plenius • et honorificencius tenemus •
Reddendo ipse et heredes sui [etc.] nobis et successoribus nostris singulis
annis tres marcas argenti [etc.] et faciendo forinsecum Domini Regis serui-
cium quantum ad dictam terram pertinet in omnibus • In cuius rei testimo-
nium sigillum capituli nostri autenticum fecimus apponi • Teste capitulo
nostro • Anno gracie • m° • cc° • 1° • sexto • xii° • Kalendas Maij ■ Apvd
Abirbrothoc •

Carta terre de Banchory Deueny Willelmo de Melgdrum • ^ (a.d. 1333.)

Anno gracie • millesimo • trecentesimo • tricesimo Tercio • die Veneris
proximo post festum Sancti Martini in hyeme • apud monasterium de Abber-
brothoc ita conuenit inter religiosos viros • Dompnum Galfridum Dei
gracia Abbatem dicti monasterij / et conuentum eiusdem ex parte una /
et Willelmum de Melgdrum fiilium quondam Johannis de Melgdrum ex
altera • videlicet • Quod dicti Abbas et conuentus de unauirai consensu
concesserunt et ad feodofirmam dimiserunt dicto Willelmo et heredibus
suis pro homagio et seruicio suo / totam terram suam de Banchry Deueny

' [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]
' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]
2 M

270 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

cum pertinenciis • Tenendam ethabendam eidera Willelmoet heredibus suis /
de dictis Abbate et conuentu et eorum successoribus / ad feodofirmam in per-
petuum cum omnibus libertatibus \_etc.'] Et dictus Willehnus toto tempore
vite sue soluet dictis religiosis annuatim pro dicta terra sex marcas Ster-
lingorum [etc.'J Heredes vero dicti Willelmi soluent annuatim Abbati
et conuentui monasterij supradicti / qui pro tempore fueriiit / pro terra memo-
rata quadraginta solidos Sterlingorum [etc.'] Et nichilominus tam idem Wil-
lelmus quam heredes sui Domino Regi annuatim centum solidos de dicta
terra soluere tenebuntur / Et facient sectam in curie Vicecomitis de Aber-
den pro eadem / et cetera seruicia et onera sustinebunt que dicte terre incum-
bunt vel incumbere poterint in futurum • Dictus vero Willelmus vel heredes
sui nullo modo dictam terram vendent impignorabunt assignabunt ad feudo-
firmam tlimittent sen alienabunt quocunque modo sine dictorura religioso-
rum speciali licencia / quod si fecerint ab omni iure dicte terre decident
ipso facto • In cuius rei testimonium uni parti presentis scripti cirographati
penes dictum Willelmum et heredes suos remanenti / appositum est commune
sigillum capituli dictorum religiosorum • Altera vero pars penes eosdem
religiosos sigillo dicti Willelmi remanet consignata •

Banquhore Deuyne • carta Willelmi de Meldrum • ' (a. d. 1346.)

Omnibus hoc scriptum indentatum visuris vel audituris / Galfi-idus permis-
sione diuina Abbas de Abbirbrothoc et eiusdem loci conuentus eternam
in Domino salutem • Cum predecessores nostri pensata utilitate monas-
terij per feodum talliatum infeodauerint nobilem virum quondam Dominum
Alanum Hostiarium / pro se et pro heredibus suis de corpore suo procreatis /
de tota terra nostra de Banquhory Deuiny cum pertinenciis infra viceco-
mitatum de Abyrdene in liberam baroniara / Ita quod dictus quondam
Alanus et heredes sui redderent inde annuatim domino nostro Regi centum
solidos Sterlingorum ac Abbati et conuentui de Abbirbrothoc quondam
alium censum prout in infeodacione sua continebatur / Dictusque quondam
Alanus in preiudicium nostrum et contra tenorem sue infeodacionis dictam
terram cum pertinenciis sine consensu Abbatis et conuentus monasterii
predicti aliis personis contra iura concessit et alienauit / dictis iniuria et
grauamine monasterio nostro preiudicialiter illatis per predecessores nostros
et nos conceptis et intellectis • dictam terram cum pertinenciis ut nobis in-

' [From the Registrum Reoentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— BANCHORY S. DEVINIC. 271

cumbebat per tota iuris remedia finimus prosecuti quousque earn cum perti-
nenciis ut ex escheta de iure recuperauimus • Quaquidem terra cum perti-
nenciis recuperata per bonura consilium nostrum perpendentes nos non
posse statim tenentes et dominos simul de eadem terra gerere in hoc com-
pensataque cum deliberacione corapetenti et solemnpni tractatu utilitate mo-
nasterij nostri / consideratis eciam fideli seruicio consilio et ausilio dilecti et
fidelis nostri • Willebni de Meldrum filij quondam Johannis de Meldrum
domini eiusdem • nobis et dicto monasterio nostro multipliciter impensis et
impendendis / unanimi consensu tocius capituli nostri / dedimus conces-
simus ac presenti scripto confirraauimus predicto Willelmo de Meldrum
pro homagio et seruicio sue totam terram nostram de Banquhori Deueny
cum pertinenciis • Tenendam et habendam eidem Willelmo et heredibus suis
de corpore suo procreatis legittimeque procreandis • Ita libere [e<c.] • Fa-
ciendo inde eciam dictus Willelraus et heredes sui predicto domino nostro
Regi seruicium de tanta terra debitum et consuetum et reddendo inde
annuatim domino Regi centum solidos Sterlingorum / et nobis et succes-
soribus nostris nomine feodefirme viginti solidos Styrlingorum [etc.J et
nobis et successoribus nostris homagium et seruicium nichilominus facien-
do • Dictus vero Willelmus et heredes sui nullo modo dictam terram
vendet [e^c] • In quorum omnium testimonium uni parti presentis scripti
indentati / penes dictum Willelmum et heredes suos remanenti / commune
sigillum capituli nostri patenter apponi fecimus / altera vero pars penes nos
et monasterium nostrum sigillo dicti Willelrai remanet consignata • Actum
et datum in dicto capitulo septimo decimo die mensis Octobris anno
gracie • millesimo • trecentesimo quadragesimo • Sexto • Teste eodem ca-
pitulo • ■

Resignacio terrarum de Banchory Deueny per Alexandrum de Meldrum
dominum de Fyvy . ' (a. d. 1438.)

Venerabili in Christo patri ac domino / Domino Waltero permissione
diuina Abbati monasterij Beati Thome Martiris de Aberbrothoc et
eiusdem loci conuentui / Alexander de Meldrum dominus de Fyvy et
baronie de Banchory Deueny • Reuerencias debitas cum honore • In manus
dominacionis vestre ego Alexander predictus / non vi aut metu ductus nee
errore lapsus sed mera et spontanea voluntate mea / totas et integras

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

272 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

terras meas de Banchory predictas cum pertinenciis iacentes infra viceco-
raitatum de Aberdene quas de vobis teneo in capite / tenore presencium
sursum reddo • pureque simpliciter resigno • ac totum ius et clameum
quod in dictis terris cum pertinenciis habeo habui / vel habere potero / pro
me et heredibus meis quietum clamo in perpetuum per presentes • Ita quod
nee ego Alexander predictus nee heredes raei aUquid ius possessorium vel
petitorium in dictis terris cum pertinenciis seu ad dictas terras aliqualiter
petere aut vendicare poterimus in futurum • Sed ut simus exclusi penitus
et in perpetuum ab eisdem / Et ut vos venerabilis pater cum consensu
capituli vestri libere et sine quouis obstaculo de eisdem terris cum pertinen-
ciis disponere valeatis • In cuius rei testimonium sigillum meum presen-
tibus est appensum / apud Fivy octauo die mensis Septembris / anno Do-
mini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo octauo ■

• Carta Fratrum Predicatorum de Aberden • ' (a.d. 1362.)

Oauid Dei gracia Rex Scottorum Omnibus etc ■ Sciatis nos pro salute
anime nostre et anime Margarete de Logy dilecte nostre et animarum ante-
cessorum et successorum nostrorum etc ■ Deo et Beate Marie et Fratribus
Predicatoribus de Aberden ibidem Deo seruientibus et imperpetuum serui
turis / Centum solidos sterlingorum nobis ab antiquo annuatim debitos de
baronia de Banchory Deueny infra vicecomitatum de Aberden Tenendos et
babendos eisdem Fratribus in puram et perpetuuam elemosinam ad sustan-
tacionem vnius capellani diuina perpetuo celebraturi ad altare Beate
Marie vel Sancti Michaelis in ecclesia dictorum Fratrum adeo libere etc • In
cuius rei etc . apud Abirden • xx™ die Januarij anno regnj nostrj Tri-
cesimo tercio •

Preceptum saisine de terris de Athquhorthy traditum Thome Kynidy ■ ^
(a.d. 1390.)

r ateat vniuersis per presentes me Willelmum de Camera dominum de
Fyndon / fecisse constituisse et ordinasse dilectum meum • Thomam de
Lask • balliuum meum baronie de Fyndon • dando eidem meam plenam

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 25. In a roll of lost charters of King Robert I.,
is " Carta to Elizabeth Durward, of 100 s. furth of Banchory Dauiny infra vicecomitatum
de Aberdeen." Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 17.]

-' [From the original in the archives of the Marischal College and University. On the
second of March, 1592, James Kennedy was served heir to his father, John Kennedy of

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— BANCHORY S. DEVINIC. 273

potestateni dictum oiRciuni exercendi in omnibus que ad officiura balliui
noscuntur pertinere [e<c.] Insuper dicto Thome mando et precipio
potestate sibi commissa quod saysinam tradat hereditariam Thome
Kynidy de terrys de Athquhorthy cura pertinenciis infra dictum dominium
de Fyndon / et hoc nullo modo omittat • In cuius rei testimonium pre-
sentibus sigillum meum apposui • Apud Aberden • xviii • die mensis
Marcii anno Domini • millesimo • ccc" • octogesimo nono.

Carta pro Willelmo de Camera de xl solidis • ' (a.d. 1392.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum Omnibus [efc] Sciatis nos dedisse
[e/c] dilecto . et fideli nostro Willehno de Camera burgensi de Abirdene
ilium annuum redditum quadraginta sohdorum sterlingorum debitorum
annuatim de terris de Fyndovn infra vicecomitatum • de Kyncardyn . qui
fuit Pauli Crabb burgensis de Abirden Et quera [etc.'] dictus Paulus [etc.]
nobis sursum reddidit [etc.] In cuius rei [etc.] Testibus [etc.] Apud
Perth vicesirao secundo mensis Marcij • Anno regni nostri Secundo ■

Ordinacio super possessione terrarum de Quyltis • ' (a.d. 1387.)

In Dei nomine Amen • Anno a natiuitate ejusdem millesimo trescentesimo
octogesimp septimo mensis Aprilis die primo Indictione deeima Pontifica-
tus sanctissimi in Christo patris ac domini nostri Domini Clementis • diuina
prouidencia Pape septimi anno nono • In mei notarii publici et testium
subscriptorum presencia comparuerunt Thomas de Melgdrum dominus de
Achyneue • ex parte una • et Johannes de . . Ich . ex parte altera • coram
nobili domino et potenti Domino Jacobo de Lyndesay domino de Crawford •
ad audiendum ordinacionem seu decretum prefati dcmini Jacobi et sui consi-
lii / super possessione terrarum de Quyltis et unius rethis piscarie aque de
Dee • cum pertinenciis suis infra vicecomitatem de Aberden / quam possessi-
onem utraque pars predicta clamabat se habere secundum tenorem diuersa-
rum euidenciarum • prefato domino Jacobo et suo consilio per utramque
partem ostensarum / excepto tantum quod dictus Thomas protestabatur

Carmuik, The Constable of Aberdeen, " in terris et villa de Auchquhortis infra baroniam
de Findoun." Inquisitiones Speciales, Kincardine, n. 184.]

' [From the Hegistrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 20S. " Willelmus de Camera dominus de
Fyndone" is witness to a charter by Hugh Fraser of Lovet and Kynnel, dated at Kynne!
on the thirtieth of March, 1407. Id., p. 244.]

- [From the original in the charter room at Fyvie Castle.]

274 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

pro majori recto suo in futurum si plures euidencias habere poterit per quas
jus suum melius certiticari seu prosequi valeat in forma juris ■ et fide cor-

porali prestita per utraraque partem predlctam mihi notario

presenti .... rectum et sanctum tenere et habere quidquid prefatus
Dominus Jacobus et suum consilium ordinauerint seu decreuerint in pre-
missis • qui in hunc modum decreuerunt videlicet quod dictus Johannes
de .... in possessione dictarum terrarum de [Quyltis] et ipsius rethis

cum pertinenciis suis debeat remanere et quod dictus Thomas

ad dictas terras cum pertinenciis

nee ad dictum rethe nisi ratum fuerit forma juris / De quibus / prefatus
Thomas a me notario publico subscripto sibi fieri petiit presens publicum
instrumentum / suis sumptibus et expensis • Presentibus nobilibus viris et
discretis domino Willelmo de Lyndesay domino de Byris . domino Gyl-
berto de Graham • domino Georgio de Lesley ■ domino Johanne de
Maxwel . domino Willelmo de Neubygyng • domino Roberto de Levyng-
stoun militibus . ac aliis in testimonium vocatis et rogatis - Acta fuerunt
hec apud Perth • infra hospicium dicti Domini Jacobi • Anno • mense •
die ■ Indictione • et pontificatu . quibus supra .

Et ego Johannes de Logtoun clericus Sancti Andree diocesis publicus
auctoritate Apostolica notarius [etc.^

DULMAOK' OR DRUMMAOK.

:rS^-^p:<^^ ULMAOK has for its tutelar Saint Mazota, virgin,
^' whose feast was kept on December the twenty-
second. It is written of her,* that quhen Gar-
nard, (son of Domath, King of Picts,) being to
war against the Britons, was admonished, in a
vision, to send for his cousin. Saint Bride, fi-om
Ireland, to instruct him in the faith, she came over

1 [" In this part of the country it is almost always called Dalmaik. The church and
man^e are situated by the river Dec, on a haugh (in Erse, Dnl) ; and near a well, which
has still the name of Saint Maik's Well." Statistical Account of Scotland, yol. iii., p.
315. Edinb. 1792.]

* Breviary of Aberdeen [prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, fol. xxii : " Nulla lingua
ediscerc valet tanta et quam rairanda per prcfatam Mazotam Deus ipse gloriosus in cells de-

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— DULMAOK. 275

on the message, and performed accordingly, and brought with her
nine nuns, the chief of quhom was this Saint Mazota ; and that
the King, being now baptized, having built a cathedral, (basilicam),
quhere she first adressed him at Abernethy, it was consecrated by
Saint Patric ; and Saint Bride, with Saint Mazota, and the other
eight ladies, fixed their abode here, and lived in a most exemplary
manner. We learn from other authors that Saint Bride dyed
A. D. D.xxiii. The Breviary of Aberdeen has this collect on Saint
Mazota's day : " Deus qui omnipotenciam tuam peccatoribus miser-
ando maxime manifestas multiplica super nos misericordiam tuam
vt intercedente beata Mazota virgine tua propiciaciouis tue graciam
misericorditer consequamur • Per Dominum " . Boetius* will have
this Mazota to be the eldest of the Nine Maidens, who were
daughters to Saint Donald, and lived in the Glen of Ogilvy, (in
Glammis parish,) where, being infested with wild geese that ate up
their corn, this nun forbad them to return any more, and that so
efiectually, that they were never seen there afterward, ad patrum
vsque nostrorum teinpora. '

This parish was formerly overgi'own with oak, but thcr is now
only a little wood at Drum.

at Drum. cijappei.

Drum,^ the seat of Irvine of Drum, who has resided here these Mnnnors.

dignatus est facere et ostendere nobis miracula in terris / Ipsa vero corpore sacratissimo
resoluta fidelium diuina prouidencia exaucta deuocio ecclesia de Dulmaok / super Dee
fluuio nunc coUocata / in honore eiusdem dedicata est : atque vndecimo Kalendas lanuarii
ibidem solenniter excolitiir dies."]

• [Scot. Hist.] in Eugen. vii. [f. 180 b.]

' [" His eldest douchter, Mayot, maid inhibitation to the wild geis, to eit fair faderis
corne, and thay oboyit hir tialy monitionis ; and thairfore, wild geis was nevir sene efter on
that ground." Bellenden's Chroniklis of Scotland, b. ix., c. xxv. ; vol. ii., p. 116.]

* [" Drum lies on the south declivity of a hill. The house makes two sides of a square,
and is well sheltered from the north and north-east, by a large natural wood of pines, oak,
and birch. The modern part of it was built in the year 1619, as a])pears from tlie date
above the windows, but the tower is thought to have been built some hundred of years
earlier. The last is a huge building, sixty feet long, forty feel wide, and sixty-three feet
high in the walls, which are about twelve feet thick in the first storey above ground, and

276 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

four hundred years past, and is still chief of this name. The rise of
the family was this. In A. D. M.ccc.vi., when King Robert I., (then
but Earl and Lord of Annandale,) came down from England, in
order to set up his claim for the crown, he entred the house of
Irvine of Bonshaw in Annandale, and there took with him the
eldest son of that gentleman, whom he made his armour-bearer ;
and afterward, because of his faithful attendance in all events, he
gave him the forest of Drum,' and for arms, argent, three sheafs of
holm, (each consisting of three leaves,) vert, (with a sheaf of ar-
rows for crest, and two savages for supporters,) and for motto.
Sub sole, sub umbra viretis, to signify that he had adhered to him
both in prosperity and adversity.*

A. D. M.cccc.xi., Sir Alexander Irvine of Drum was slain at
Harlaw, (fighting nobly for King James I. against the Highland
rebels,) where now Drum's cairn is seen.

Under King James VI., Alexander Irvine of Drum possessed an
estate of about two thousand eight hundred pounds sterling, having,
besides that of Drum, about half of Cromar, Kelly in Arbillot
parish, Forglen, Fedderet, Artamford, Longmay, etc. ; but it is now
reduced to a small matter.

Dr. Christopher Irvine, (of Bonshaw's family,) a fanciful man,
pretended that the Irvines came originally from Erivan in Persia.
through Germany into Scotland.

much thicker in the vault below ; in which there is a draw-well. There is neither crack
nor crevice in the wall, nor is an inch of it out of plum. From the first floor there is a
stair in the south-west corner, within the wall, by which we ascend to the two other
storeys, the uppermost of which is about thirty feet high on the roof, and vaulted, as the
other storeys are. It has an alcove roof, with a broad terrace round it, covered with flag
stones, and a parapet wall for the safety of those who walk upon it." Douglas' Descrip-
tion of the East Coast of Scotland, pp. 255, 256. Paisley, 1782.]

' [In a roll of lost charters of King Robert I. are " Carta to Alexander Burnet, ane
bounding infeftment of tlie forest of Drum and others " ; — " Carta to Alexander Irvine, of
ane part of the park of Drum " ; — Carta to William Iruine, of the forest of Drum in vice-
ooraitatu de Aberden " ; — " Carta Gullielmi Irwing his infeftment of x. pund Sterling money
furth of the customes of Dundie." Robertson's Index to the Charters, pp. 3, 17, 23.]

• M'Kenzie's Heraldry.

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— DULMAOK. 277

[Carta Regis Roberti de libero introitu et exitu in forestara et parcuni del
Drum. ' (a.d. 1318.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scotorum omnibus [e<c.] Sciatis nos dedisse
[etc.']. religiosis viris Abbati et conuentui de Abirbrothoc dilectis et fide-
libus nostris / liberum introitum et exitum per totum parcum nostrum del
Drum • Ita quod ipsi et homines eorundem libere possint transire per
eundem parcum . intrando et exeundo . cariando meremium suum cum
plaustris / carrectis / et equis / et aliis quibuscunque modis voluerint
cariare meremium et alia bona sua / sine aliqua perturbacione forestariorum
seu aliocum hominum nostrorum ibidem . Volumus tamen quod dicti re-
ligiosi faciant fieri duas portas / in meliori aysiamento suo / infra latera dicti
parei pro introitu suo et exitu • et seruras habeant super easdem portas
ita quod claudantur et aperiantur pro eorum propriis usibus tantum .
Quare firmiter prohibemus ne quis contra banc donacionem nostram ipsos
religiosos aut homines sues predictos vexare seu grauare presumat super
nostram plenariam forisfacturam . In cuius rei testimonium presenti carte
nostre sigillum nostrum precepimus apponi • Testibus . Willelmo de
Lindesay camerario nostro Scocie • Thoma Ranulphi comite Morauie
ac domino Mannie nepote nostro . Gilberto de Haya constabulario
nostro • Roberto de Keth marescallo nostro Scocie • Philippo de Mu-
bray • Alexandro de Setoun / et Johanne Wyschard / militibus • apud
Abirbrothoc • xiiij" ■ die Februarij • anno regni nostri Duodecimo •

Carta Alexandri de Irwyne ■ ^ (a.d. 1389.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum etc • Sciatis nos dedisse [etc.] ■
fideli nostro Alexandro de Irwyne ■ omnes et singulas terras de parco du
Drum vna cum annuls redditibus pertinentibus ad eundem parcum infra
vicecomitatum de Kyncardyn / qui fuerunt Johannis Moigne et quos ipse
Johannes [etc.] nobis per fustum et baculum et per literas suas resigna-
cionis nobis super hoc patenter directas apud monasterium de Kylvenyn

' [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

2 [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 174. King Robert III. confirmed a " charter
given by Alexander Irvine of Drum, to Robert Bell, burgess of Dundee, of the wodset
of the lands of Inchstare, and of the annual furth of Owris in vicecomitatu de Forfar."
Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 137.]

2 N

278 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

die confecciouis presentis sursum reddidit [etc.l Teiiendas et babendas
eidem Alexandre et heredibus suis de nobis et heredibus nostris in feodo
[efc] ffaciendo inde nobis et heredibus nostris dictus Alexander et heredes
sui seruicia inde debita et consueta • In cuius rei testimonium presenti
carte nostre nostrum precepimus apponi sigillum / Apud Kyluenyn xxiij
die Septembris Anno regni nostro none decimo •

Alexander Irwin of The Drum ordanyt to pas in ward • ' (29th Feb.
1472.)

In the actioun and causs of sumraondis movit be Walter Lindesay of
Bewfort aganis Alexander Irwin of The Drum for the conuocatioun and
gadering of our Souerane Lordis liegis to the novmir of Ix of personys in
fere of were of men of armys / with bowis and vthir fensable wapinis on

1 [From the Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p. 20. On the thirteenth of December,
1494, " the lordis auditouris decrettis and deliueris that Alexander Irwin of Drum and Ma-
rioun Forbes his moder does wrang in the occupatioun and manuring of the landis of Wester
Tulbowry Hand within the schirefdome of Kyncardin sen the terme of Witsonday last
bipast becauss it wes grantit be thu- procuratouris that thai haid na tak thairof And thairfore
ordinis thaim to decist and cess thairfra to be broikit and manurit be William Lord of Sanct
Johnis as his propir landis And ordinis that lettrez be writtin to devoid and red the saidis
landis." {Id., p. 201 ;) and Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 369: " the landis oft' Tulbowry
Hand in the barony of Cultir pertaining to William Lord of Sanct Johnis and the houss
of Sanct Johnis of Torfichin."

On the twenty-sixth of July, 1488, " in the accioun persewit be Alexander Irwin of
Drum agane Thomas Rooss of Auchinlossin for the freithing and releving of the said
Alexander Irwin at our Souerane Lordis handis of the payment of the soume of fiftj
puudis vsuale money of the realme as he that wes oblist thairto to the said Alexander
Irwin the tymc he wes schiref of Aberdene as wes allegeit The said Thomas beand
lauchfully and peremptorly suramondit oft tymmes callit and nocht comperit the said Alex-
ander beand present be his lauchfuU procuratouris The lordis auditouris of chakker
decretis and deliueris that the said Thomas sail freith and releif the said Alexander at our
Souerane Lordis handis of the payment of the said soume of fiftj pundis as he that wes
bundin and oblist thairto in the com"t of Cragour As wes sufficiently prefit before the
saidis lordis And ordanis our Souerane Lordis lettrez be direct to distrenye the said Thomas
his landis and gudis herefore and for xx schillingis to the expenss of the twa witnes that
deponit in this mater." (Acta Dominorum Concilii, pp. 85, 86.)

On the eleventh of February, 1492, " the lordis of consale decrettis and deliueris that
Alexander Irwin of Drum sail decist and cess fra the occupacioun and manurin of the
landis of Dulmaok and Petbrachan to be broikit and manurit be a reuerend faider in God
William Bischop of Abirdene and his tenentis." f/rf., p. 280.)]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— SKENE. 279

horss and fute and the cummyng vpon the said Walter vnder silence of
nycht quhare he wes in his bed at mydnycht and socht the houss that he
lay in for the invading of him in breking of the actis of parliament and
in evil example to vtheris to commyt sic trespassis / The said Alexander
beand summond lauchfuUy to compere personaly and comperit bot be hi?
procuratouris the allegations of bath the partijs herd and vndirstandin The
lordis decretis and deliueris that for the grete lichtlying conteniptioune done
to our Souerane Lord in the forsaid thingis that thairfor he enter his
persone in warde within the Castel of Berwic within xv dais efter the
warnyng ther to remayn on his awin expenss quhil he be fi-ed be our Souerane
Lord / And atour forsamekle as he is Scherif Depute of Aberdene and has
gaderit the Kingis liegis vndir silens of nycht as said is that therfor he be
depriuit for euer fra the office of deput schireffschip and at he neuer in tyme
commyng minister in the samyn efter the tenour of the act of parliament
specialy maid vpon schireffis And at letres be writin to the Schiref of
Aberdene to discharge the said Alexander of the said office as he will
ansuer to our Souerane Lord ; And at the said Alexander be distrenyeit
for four merkis for the said Walteris expenss in the folowing of the said
mater and at letres be writin to distrenye him for xl schillingis of vnlaw • ]

SKENE.

KENE hath for its tutelar Saint Bride.* The
principal of Saint Leonard's College, Saint An-
drew's, is the patron. '

Skene is so named from Skeen of That Ilk,
King Robert I. having, in A. D. m.ccc.xviii.,
erected the lands and loch of Skene into a barony,
in favour of Robert Skene ; which charter may
be seen at Skeen.

* Registrum Chartarum.

' [" 29. Februarii, 1471. In the actioun and causs ot summondis maid vpoun Thoniiis
Kynnarde be Schyr John Crag for x merkis yerly of four yeris bigain of annuale of the
landis of Merytoun pertening to the chaplanry of Skene / the lordis referris the said causs
to the juge ordynar becauss it concernis fee and heretage." (Acta Dominorum Auditorum.
p. 20; Robertson's Parliamentary Records, p. 171.)

280 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Manners. Skene, the Seat of the chief of this name, the first of which was

so called from having killed a wolf in the Stocket forest, with a
skeen or dagger, (the very dagger itself being yet preserved here,)
and is said by some to have been immediatly of the Mackdonalds,
though others say of the Robertsons,' (a branch of the Mack-
donalds). Duncan M'Donald having got Strowan for killing wolves,
the arras of Strowan Robertson are, gules, three wolves' heads
argent ; crest, a hand holding a crown ; motto, Virtutis gloria
merces ; and, on a complement, a wild man chained, because Robert
Robertson of Strowan apprehended the murderers of King James I.
John le Skeen is an arbitrator between Bruce and Balliol. * The
arms of Skeen are, gules, three durks or skeens, supported by
three wolves' heads or ; crest, an arm holding a garland ; supporters,
two Highlandmen ; motto, Virtutis regia Jiierces.

A. D. M.ccc.xviii., King Robert I., by his charter, (still pre-
served here,) grants to his beloved and faithful Robert Skene, the
lands and loch of Skene, f

On the eleventh of May, 1457, " Dominus Donaldus curatus ecclesie parochialis de
Skene," is witness to an instrument of protestation, at the instance of " Alexander de Skene
filius et apparens heres ac procurator Jacobi de Skene de eodem," against " Joneta de
Ketlit." (Original deed in the charter chest at Skene.)]

' [" As it is," says Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty, " a common saying that the
Skeens ought to be Robertsons, there is nothing more certain than that the Robertsons
should be Vrquharts ; for besides that their own coat-armour doth in some measure manifest
it, the first of that name was a son of Robert, the second brother of Endymion Vrquhart,
which Robert a little after the decease of Charlemain, in emulation of his uncle Carolo,
was so renowned for his chivalrie and valiant atchievements in Italy, and other forrain
countries, that his offs|)ring hath ever efter been designed by his name, as the Forbasses
were by that of ti^^as, the second brother of Vocompos. O that I might continue longer
on this subject!" Logopandecteison, b. v., §§. 54—56. Lend. 1053. Sir Thomas
Urquhart's Works, p. 384, Maitland Club edit. Edinb. 1834. 4to.]

• Prynne.

t Nisbet's Heraldry [, vol. i., p. 324. See also Douglas' Baronage of Scotland, pp.
553 — 360. In a roll of lost charters of King Robert I., is " Carta to Alexander Eraser of
Cluny, of the lands of Cardnye, with the fishing of the Loch of Skeen." Robertson's
Index to the Charters, p. 16.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— SKENE. 281

'Tis said there have beeu twenty-eight lairds of Skene in a direct
succession ; for most of them have been short lived. '

FoRNET, once the Earl of Kintore's, afterward one Deuchar's, is
now Skene's.

CoNCRAiG, formerly Kintore's, built by the present Simson of
Concraig, who had been factor to that Earl. ^

[Decreitt vpone the breiff of richt in favores of Skene for the laundis of
Ledach of Skene Kirktoune of Skene and Milboy and Garlogy • i
(a. p. 1457.)
Vniuersis ad quorum noticias presentes litere peruenerint / Alexander
Douglas deputatus vicecomitis de Aberdene salutem in eo qui est omnium
vera salus Quia pium est et meritorium fidele testimonium perhibere
veritati et maxime in hiis que coram judicibus legaliter terrainantur • Hint-
est quod coram nobis pro tribunali sedentibus iu plena curia vicecomitis
tenta in pretorio burgi de Aberdene vicesimoprimo die mensis Febru- '
arii anno ab incarnacione Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quinqua-
gesimo sexto • comparentibus coram nobis Jacobo de Skene de eodem
actore ab vna / et Joneta de Keth cum patruo suo nobili domino Willel-
mo domino le Keth mariscallo Scocie / rea partibus ex altera / penes
quoddam breue de recto de capella Domini nostri Regis per predictum
Jacobum de et super terris de ly Ledach de Skene de ly Kirktoun de
Skene de Mulboy et de Garlogy cum molendino eiusdera cum perti-
nenciis impetratum / et penes declaracionem et determinacionem dicti
juris predicte partes vnanimi consensu et assensu posuerunt se ad re-

' [On the twenty-third of January, U8R, a plea is moved between " Alexander Skeyn
of That like," and " Thomas Lord Erskin." (Acta Doniinorum Auditorum, p. 125.) On
the tenth of December, 1494, a plea is moved between " James Sken of That Ilk," and
" William Erlle Merschell." (Id., p. 195.)]

2 [" Besides two Druidical temples, pretty entire, and a number of barrows or tumuli.
there are, on a moor covered with barrows, about an English mile south of the church,
evident traces of an encampment ; near which is a very large collection of stones, or a
cairn. About three-fourths of a mile north-east of the church, on the top of a hill [called
The Keir-hill], are the remains of a wall, which appear to have been formerly resorted to
as a place of strength." Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. iv., p. 62. Edinb. 1792.]

3 [From the original in the charter chest at Skene.]

282 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

cognicionem et assisam proborum virorum infrascriptorum videlicet ■
Willelmi de Lesly de Balchane railitis • Roberti Grahame • Willelmi de
Vchterlony de Kelly • Alexandri Crawmunde de Melgunde • Dauid
Dempstare de Vchterless / Dauid Fodringhame de Powry . Johannis de
Thornton • Roberti de Foulartoun / Alexandri de Straton de eodem •
Georgii Berclai de Matheris / Walteri Ramsai de Cauntirlande / Thome
de Allirdes de eodem / Alexandri Fraser de Durris / Alexandri Burnet
de Leiis / Johannis Forbes de Tulchone / Andree Glaster de Glak •
Willelmi Rede de Colistoun / Malcolmi de Lesly ■ Andree de Buchane de
Acbmacoy • Willelmi de Abirnethi • Jacobi Barde • Nicholai de Dun /
Alexandri Gardin • Jacobi Ventoun • et Johannis Mortimar / Quibus
juratis et in vna domo per se reclusis dicte partes coram ipsis comparentes
raciones jura et alligaciones suas proposuerunt / et postea dicta curia
vsque in crastinum diem de consensu earundem parcium in eodem statu et
absque preiudicio fuerat continuata / Quo crastino die videlicet xxii° dicti
mensis Februarii dictis partibus et assisa in eadem curia comparentibus /
ipsa curia fuit usque vicesimum sextum mensis Aprilis anni Domini
millesimi quadringentesimi quinquagesimi septimi tunc proxime futuri
ex certis racionabilibus causis continuata • Quo xxvi" die mensis
Aprilis adueniente et nobis in supradicto loco in plena curia capitali dicti
vicecomitatus pro tribunali sedentibus dicte partes et domini de assisa
omnes preter Willelmum Abernethi et Robertum Foulartoun compar-
uerunt / et cum procedere deberent ad recognicionem juris et recti dicta-
rum terrarum et molendini cum pertinenciis dicta pars rea modo suo
dictam curiam declinando recessit / altera parte videlicet predicto Jacobo
de Skene diligenter instante pro justicie complemento Vnde dicti domini
de assisa in domo per se reclusi pro dictis duabus personis dicte assise
absentibus petierunt duas personas fidedignas jurari ad eandem causam

et / quorum peticionibus inclinati Walterum Berclai de Tolli /

et Dauid Scrimgeour eligimus et ad dictam recognicionem jurare feci-
mus ac ipsos in eandem domum vbi fuerat assisa transmisimus . Et
postea ipsis quamdiu insimul auisatis quod sero fuit / sic quod non poterant
huiusmodi et diffinire illo die / ipsi omnes de assisa petie-
runt et instanter desiderauerunt quod dicta curia et decisio dicte cause
usque in crastinum continuaretur ; quare nos de consensu dicti Jacobi de
Skene partis tunc presentis dictam curiam et dicte cause decisionem usque
in crastinum diem / diem scilicet xxvii"" eiusdem mensis Aprilis in

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— SKENE. 283

eodeni statu quo tunc absque parcium preiudicio jussimus et fecimus conti-
nuari • Quo vicesimo seplimo die omnes predict! domini de assisa in
dicta curia comparentes et in eadem dome reclusi diuersorum proborum
et antiquorum virorum patrie ad testificandum in eadem recognicione per
breue de capella regia citatorum vocatorum et comparencium deposicionibus
distincte per eosdem receptis et aliis juribus alligacionibus et racionibus
vtriusque dictarum parcium ac cause meritis diligenter consideratis et pen-
satis / tandem matura deliberacione prebabita auisati in eandem curiam
reintrarunt Et demum secundum eorundem dominorum de assisa deter-
minacionem conclusionem ac vnanimi et concordi consensu deliberacionem
per OS Alexandri Gardenar judicatoris curie • datum fuit pro judicio
quod Jacobus de Sltene supradictus habet mains jus quam babet dicta
Joneta de Keth in et ad dictas terras de ly Ledach de Skene / de ly
Kirkton de Skene de Mulboy et de Garlogi cum molendino eiusdem
cum pertinenciis / Et quod dicta Joneta erit quieta et nuncquam audietur
decetero super dictis terris et molendino cum pertinenciis / Et fructus pen-
dentes et futuri dictarum terrarum et molendini cum pertinenciis sunt
et erunt dicti Jacobi Et boc omnibus quorum interest vel intererit inno-
tescimus fideliter per presentes / In quorum omnium et singulorum fideui
et testimonium premissorum presentes literas sine presens publicum in-
strumentum processum nostrum huiusmodi in se continentes sine conti-
nens per notarios publicos infrascriptos subscriptas sigilli prouidi viri
Johannis de FifFe propositi eiusdem burgi in defectu proprii sigilli
nostri per instanciam vnacum predictorum dominorum de assisa sigillorum
appensione et munimine jussimus et fecimus roborari anno die et loco
supradictis Indictione quinta / pontificatus sanctissimi in Christo patris
ac domini nostri / Domini Calisti diuina prouidencia pape tercii anno
tercio • Presentibus ibidem bonorabilibus et prouidis viris domino Alex-
andro Yhonge canonico Aberdonensi / Thoma Eraser de Stanyvode /
Andrea Rede de Badfotbell • Johanne de Ross • Thoma Ross • Andrea
Meignes et Patricio Badenacb testibus ad premissa vocatis specialiter
et rogatis

Et ego Johannes Cadiou clericus Aberdonensis diocesis publieus Ini-
periali auctoritate notarius [e^c]

Et ego Thomas de Leis presbiter Abirdonensis diocesis publieus aucto-
ritate Imperiali notarius [etcJ]

284 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Protestatioun maid be Alexander Skene in parliament • ' (a. d. 1461.)

In Dei nomine Amen . per hoe presens publicum instrumentum cunctis
pateat manifeste quod anno ab incarnacione Domini millesimo quadringen-
tesimo sesagesimo Indiccione nona / men sis vero Marcii die septima /
pontificatus sanctisslmi in Christo patris ac domini nostri Domini Pii diui-
na prouidencia pape secundi • anno tercio . In excellentissimi Principis et
domini nostri metuendissimi Domini Jacobi tercii Scotorum Regis illus-
trissimi / dorainorum baronum prelatorum subscriptorum meique notarii
publici et testium infrascriptorum presencia personaliter constitutus
Alexander Skene filius Jacobi Skene de eodem et procurator eiusdem
nomine ipsius publice in parliamento apud Edinburgh dictis die
mense et anno tento Recitauit quod quanquam terre de Ledauch de
Skene de Kirkton de Skene de Mulboye et de Garlogy cum molen-
dino earundem cum pertinenciis jacentes in baronia de Skene infra vice-
comitatum de Abirdene / dicto Jacobo / ut asseruit dictus Alexander / jure
hereditario spectant et pertinent quod quondam excellentissimus Princeps
suppremus dominus noster Jacobus Rex Scotorum vltimo defunctus post
recognicionem earundem terrarum ad instanciam Jonete de Keith factam
eandem recognicionem relaxauit et ipsas terras ad plegium dicte Jonete
dimisit ut dixit dictus Alexander contra leges ac jura et statute regni
et in ipsius Jacobi preiudicium dampnum et grauamen / Propter quod
dictus Alexander nomine et ex parte dicti Jacobi patris sui humillime
requisiuit dictum suppremum Dominum nostrum Regem pro imposicione
dicti Jacobi in sua possessione dictarum terrarum / juxta jura consuetu-
dines et antiquas leges regni / Et protestatus fuit quod diraissio dictarum
terrarum dicte Jonete de Keth ad plegium aut quecunque penes dictas
terras facta sen facienda non cedant sibi Jacobo in preiudicium infutu-
rum penes jus suum predictarum terrarum quin liberum regressum
habere possit et valeat ad terras supradictas Super qui bus omnibus et
singulis dictus Alexander nomine dicti patris sui a me notario publico
infrascripto sibi fieri petiit presens publicum instrumentum Acta erant
bee apud Edinburgh in pretorio eiusdem Anno die mense indiccione et
pontificatu supradictis / Testibus reuerendis in Christo patribus ac do-
minis Andrea Episcopo Glasguensi • Thoma Episcopo Dunkeldensi ■

' [From the original in the charter chest at Skene.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— BALHELVY. 285

Thoma Episcopo Aberdonensi Georgio Episcopo Lismorensi nobilibus
et potentibus dominis Andrea domino Avandale cancellario Scocie
Alexandro domino Montgomery Wlllelmo domino Borthwic Johanne
domino Lindissay de Byris Patricio domino Halis Andrea domino
Gray Gilberto domino Keinedy / Alexandro de Hume Thoma de Cran-
stoune Roberto Simpil de Elliotstoune militibus • et Arehibaldo Stewart
cum raultis aliis ad premissa vocatis specialiter et rogatis •

Et ego Thomas Broun clericus Sanctiandree diocesis publicus aucto-
ritate Appostolica notarius [e<c.]

BALHELVIE.

^-^ ALHELVIE hath for its tutelar Saint Colm. The
Bishop of Aberdeen is the patron.

This was only a chappel before the Reforma-
tion,' but then it was enlarged. It has an isle
built by the Earl of Panmure, who possesses the
greater part of the parish.

at HORSECROOK. Chappels.

at Ardos.

at BoGGS.

Menie, bought, A. D. m. dc. xxiii., from Gordon of Gight, by Mannors.
William Seton of Udny, (of whom Seton of Scotsmill, in Longley
parish, pretends to be the representative,) and after that mortgaged,
A. D. M.DC.Lix., by Sir Robert Graham of Morphie, (Udny's
creditor,) to Robert Ker, burgess in Aberdeen ; the present Ker
of Menie's daughter being married to Peter Smith of Inveramsay,
younger.

Sheils.

CoLPNAW, formerly possessed by Wood of Colpnaw, who was
chief of the name.

' [This is a mistake. Balhelvy was a parsonage and parish church, from the earliest
period of which we have record. See above, pp. 145, 157, 215, 218, 219, 120.]

2 o

28fi VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Mandatur quod pecunia Regi Norwagie debita solvatur • ' (a. d. 1293.)

Edwardus Dei gratia Rex Anglie [etc.] et superior Dominus regni Scotie
dilecto et fideli suo Johanni eadem gratia Regi Scotie illustri salutein •
Cum Dominus Ericus Rex Norwagie nuper in curia nostra coram nobis
apud Berewyk super Twedam per conslderationem ejusdem curie recuper-
asset seisinara suam versus venerabiles patres Willelmum Sancti Andree et

Glascuensis episcopos ac socios suos tunc custodes regni Scotie de qui-

busdam redditibus quos bone meraorie Alexander nuper Rex Scotie pre-
decessor vester concessit et assignavit prefato Regi Norwagie in maritagium
cum Margareta ejusdem Alexandri Regis filia in Roscemay Moraviensis
diocesis in balliva de Banef • et de Balehelwy in vicecomitatu de Aber-
den • et de Badkedde et de Rathou in vicecomitatu de Edenburgh • haben-
dis eisdem Regi Norwagie et Margarete et heredlbus suis de ipsorum cor-
poribus procreatis pro septem milibus marcarum que eidem Regi Norwagie
a retro esse dicebantur de quatuordecim milibus marcarum sibi per eundem
Regem Alexandrum pro eodem maritagio concessarum • ac eidem Regi de
redditibus illis postquam dicti regni Scotie gubernacula suscepistis non sit
in aliquo ut asserit satisfactum - Vobis mandamus rogantes quatinus pre-
fato Regi Norwagie de redditibus predictis juxta considerationem predictam
quam idem Rex penes se habet sub sigillo nostro de tempore quo dicti regni
regimen babuistis taliter satisfieri faciatis quod nos manum ad hoc apponere
non cogamur • Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium xvj die Novembris •

Carta Hugonis de Barclay militis et Elene sponse sue -^ (a. d. 1323.)

Robertus etc ■ Sciatis nos etc - confirmasse Hugoni de Barclay militi
dilecto et fideli nostro pro homagio et servitio suo villam The • dominium
thanagij de Balheluy cum rectis metis et divisis suis • terram de Westertoun

' [From the Rotuli Scotiae in Turri Londinensi et in Domo Capitulari Westmonaste-
i-iensi asservati, vol. i., p. i9 a. Printed by command of His Majesty King George III.
18i4. fol. See also pp. 14 b, 16 a.]

- [From the Earl of Haddington's Collection of Charters, vol. ii., p. 48. MS. Advocates'
Library. In a roll of missing charters of King Robert I. are " Carta Walteri Barclay de
Thenagio de Ballhelvie, in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen " ; — " Carta Hugonis Barclay of the
Thaniage of Balhelvic " ; — " Carta Hugonis Barclay of Fintriegask and Balmaly in Buchaue-
ward in vicecomitatu de Banf." Robertson's Index to the Charters, pp. -2, 17.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— BALHELVY. 287

inferiori et de Westertoun superior! cum pertinentiis • terrain del Keer ■
et terrain de Egi cum pertinentiis / per suas rectas metas et divisas in-
fra dictum thanagium de Baluheluy • una cum raulturis earundem terra-
rum • bracina et oflficio fabri earundem • et officio Serjandi et cum
cana terre ecclesie de Balheluy • in extentum quadragiuta librarura terre et
redditus • Tenendas et habendas eidem Hugoni et Helene sponse sue et
heredibus inter ipsos legittime procreandis / de nobis et heredibus nostris
in feodo et hereditate [etc.^ in unam liberam baroniam / cum furca et
fossa • thole et theame • sok et sak • et infangandtheif • libere ■ [etcJ]
Faciendo inde [etc.^ dicti Hugo et Helena sponsa sua [ete.] tres sectas
per annum ad curiam nostram vicecomitatus de Aberdene ad tria placita
capitalia singulis annis tenenda ibidem • et Scoticanum servitium quantum
pertinet ad quadraginta libras terre • Et volumus si contingat / quod
absit / quod prefatus Hugo et Helena sponsa sua predicta absque heredibus
de eorum corporibus existentibus et permanentibus in fata decedant quod
omnes terre predicte cum pertinentiis suis ad nos et heredes nostros libere
reuertantur • In cuius rei etc ■ xiiij" die Septembris • Anno regni nostri

Carta Johannis de Inuerpefire et Cristiane de Sancto Michaele • ' (a. d.
1365.)

Oauid Dei gracia • Rex • Scottorum / Omnibus [etc-l Sciatis nos
dedisse [etc.'] dilecto et fideli nostro • Johanni de Inuerpefire et Cristiane
de Sancto Michaele sponse sue consanguinee nostre pro ipsius Johannis
homagio et seruicio suo totam medietatem nostram terre de Coneuathe cum
pertinenciis infra vicecomitatum de Banf / ac totam medietatem nostram
terrarum de duabus Logy Ardacliis cum pertinenciis infra vicecomitatum
de Abirdene • Tenendas et habendas eisdem Johanni et Cristiane sponse
sue et eorum alteri diucius viuenti heredibusque inter ipsos legitime pro-
creatis vel procreandis / de nobis [etc.] Ita • libere • quiete • [etc.] sicut
quondam Philippus de Melgdrum miles pater et quondam Andreas de
Melgdrum • frater predicte Cristiane dictas terras [etc.] tenuerunt [etc.]
quibus yero • heredibus inter predictos Johannem • et Cristianam forte

' [From the Registrvm Magiii Sigilli, p. 43. In a roll of lost charters by King David
U. is " Carta to Mary Meldruin, spouse to Philip Meldrum, of the lands of Logyardoch and
Craigie in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen." Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 56.]

288 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

deficientibus • volumus quod dicte medietates [e<c.] ad nos [etc.'] reuer-
tantur • Faciendo [etc.'] tale seruicium quale dicti quondam Philipus at
Andreas pro dictis terris fecerunt dum superstites exstiterunt • In cuius
rei etc. Testibus etc • Apud Munros vltimo die Marcii • Anno • regni
nostri Tricesimo • Sexto •

Carta domini Alexandri Senescalli • ' (a. d. 1379.)

Robertus etc ■ Sciatis nos etc ■ dilecto filio nostro Alexandro Senescalli
militi domino de Badenach terras de Balheluiy cum pertinenciis infra vice-
comitatum de Aberden / que fuerunt Willelmi de Fodringhay militis / et
quas idem Willelmus [etc. nobis sursum reddidit] Tenendas et habendas
eidem Alexandro et heredibus suis ac suis assignatis de nobis et heredibus
nostris in feodo et hereditate etc. Soluendo Johanni de Abrenethy militi
annuatim annuum reditum sibi debitura de terris supradictis / et faciendo
inde nobis seruicium debitum et consuetum • In cuius etc. Testibus etc •
Apud Methfen xviij° die mensis Octobris / Anno regni nostri Nono •

Altera carta eiusdem domini Alexandri Senescalli- ^ (a. d. 1379.)

Robertas etc ■ Sciatis etc • dilecto filio nostro Alexandro Senescalli militi
domino de Badenach medietatem terrarum de Conwathe cum pertinenciis
infra vicecomitatum de Banf / et medietatem terrarum de Logyardache
cum pertinenciis infra vicecomitatum de Aberden / quas terras cum perti-
nenciis Willelmus de Fordringbay miles non vi aut metu ductus etc • [nobis
sursum reddidit] • Tenendas et habendas eidem Alexandro heredibus suis
et suis assignatis de nobis et heredibus nostris in feodo et hereditate etc •
Reddendo inde nobis et heredibus nostris [etc.] annuatim vnum denarium

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 132. In a roll of lost charters of King David
II. is " Carta to William Fodringhay, of the lands of Balhelvie, in vicecomitatii de Aber-
deen." Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 52.

King David 11. granted a charter " to Laurence Gillebrand, of ane 20 1. pension out ol
Balhelvie in Aberdeen." (Id. p. 50.)

King Robert III. granted a charter " to Walter TuUach, of the lands of Polnave, of some
lands in Balhelvies, given to him by John Lyon of Glamis." (7rf p. 147 )]

2 [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 152. In a roll of lost charters of King David
II. is " Carta to William Fodrighay, of the lands of Conwache in vicecomitatu de Banf,
and Lochyardoch in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen." Robertson's Index to the Charters, p.
36.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— BALHELVY. 289

argenti in villa de Aberden nomine albe firme etc ■ In cuius etc ■ Testibus
etc ■ Apud Perth xviij" die Octobris anno regni nostri ix° .

Confirmacio carte Johannis Fraser • ' (a. d. 1400.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scotorum • Omnibus [etc.'] Sciatis nos quam-
dam cartam Johannis Bonvile filii et heredis quondam Johannis Bonvile de
Balhelvy Bonvile • factara et concessam dilecto nostro et fideli Johanni
Fraser de Forglen super vendicione terrarum • de Balhelvy Boneville •
Colynstoun • et duabus viUis de Ardendrachtys ■ vna cum tenandiis suis
de Blaretoun • de Many • et de Achlochery cum pertinenciis iacentium •
infra vicecomitatum de Abirdene / de mandato nostro visam lectam [etc.']
intellexisse et inspexisse ad plenum in hec verba / Omnibus banc cartam
visuris uel audituris • Johannes de Boneville • filius et heres quondam
Johannis de Boneville de Balhelvy Boneville eternam in Domino salutera /
Vestra nouerit vniuersitas dedisse [etc.] nobili viro Johanni Fraser domino
de Forglen omnes terras meas de Balhelvy • Boneville • Colynstoun • et
duas villas de Ardendrachtys • vna cum tenandiis suis de Blaretoun de
Many et de Achlochery cum pertinenciis in vicecomitatu de Aberdene •
pro quadam summa pecunie michi in mea vrgenti et pregraui necessitate
pre manibus plenarie persoluta / Tenendas et habendas [etc.] prefato
Johanni Fraser [etc.] de domino de Balhelvy Berclay • domino superior!
dictarum terrarum et tenandiarum in feodo et hereditate • a • me et heredi-
bus meis [etc.] Faciendo inde annuatim dictus Johannes Fraser [etc.]
domino superior! dictarum terrarum et tenandiarum tres sectas curie ad
tria placita capitalia tenenda apud Balhelvy Berclay / cum seruicio forinseco
domini nostri Regis [etc.] In cuius rei testimonium • present! carte mee
sigillum meum apposui • Et pro maiori securitate et euidencia sigiUa nobi-
lium Willelmi de Berclay domini de Tolly • et Thome Fraser domini de
Corntoun cum instancia presentibus apponi procurau! • Hiis testibus •
dominis Thoma de Haya constabulario Scocie • Jacobo Fraser domino de
Ferendracht • Alexandre Fraser domino de Fillortht / vicecomite de Abir-

' [From the original in the charter room at Slaines Castle. In a roll of missing charters
by King Robert I. are " Carta to John Bonevill, the lands of Blairtoun, and the davaeh
'and of Many, in the thanedom of Balhelvie in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen" ; — " Carta to
John Bonevill) of the lands of Colstoun, the two towns of Ardendrachtis, infra comi-
tatum de Buchan " ; — " Carta Joannis de Bonevillie, militis, of the lands of Collistoun, and
two roumes de Ardendrachtis." Robertson'.s Index to the Charters, pp. 16, 17, 21.]

290 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

dene . Johanne de Keth domino de Inuerogy . Alexandre Barclay dommo
de Kercow . Andrea de Turyne domino de Fovern . Thoma de Lask
domino eiusdem • cum multis aliis • Datum apud Forglen octauo die
mensis Januarij • Anno Domini millesimo trecentesimo octogesimo octauo /
• Quam quidem cartam [etc.'] approbamus [etc.'] iniperpetuum confirmamus •
Saluo seruicio nostro • In cuius rei testimonium present! carte nostre con-
tirmacionis / nostrum precepimus apponi sigillum • Testlbus venerabilibus
in Christo patribus • Waltero episcopo Sanctiandree • Gilberto episcopo
Abirdonensi • cancellario nostro ' carissimo primogenito nostro Dauid duce
Rothesaie • comite de Carrict et Atholie / Roberto duce Albania comite
de Fif et de Manteth ■ fratre nostro germane / Archebaldo comite de
Douglas domino Galwydie • Jacobo de Douglas domino de Dalketh / et
Thoma de Erskyne consanguineis nostris dilectis militibus • Apud • Lithqu
quarto die mensis Junij • Anno gracie millesimo quadringentesimo • Et
reffni nostri vndecimo •

Inquisicio Gilbert! Waus da Many. ' (a.d. 1509.)

Inquisicio facta apud burgum da Aberdene decimo septimo die mensis
Aprilis anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo none Coram honorabili viro
Alexandre Bannirman de Watartoun vicacomitis deputatode Abirdene /
In preterio burgi da Abirdene in curia capitali pre tribunal! sedente / per
subscriptos . vidalicat • Georgium Meldrum de Fyvie . Johannem Gor-
done de Lumgair • Johannem Mowat de Loscragy • Johannem Forbes de
Echt • Patricium Stauart de Latheris . Andream Tulidef de eodam •
Hanricum Forbes de Kynnallour • Alexandrum Mortymer de Cragyuer ■
Willalmum Turing de Foverne . Thoraam Meldrum de Edane • Johan-
nem Skeine de Ouchtararne • Johannem Troup da Commolagy • Willel-
raum Buchana de Auchnacoy . Jehannam Dumbrack de eodam . et
Duncanum Strathachin de Glenkindy . Qui jurati dicunt / quod quondam
Gilbertus Waus auus Gilbert! V^aus latoris presancium obijt vltimo
vestitus et sasitus ; vt de feodo ad pacam at fidem Demin! nostri Regis /
de officio Hestlarie Skacarii sine Capella Supprami Domini nostri Regis •
cum feodis liberis censuetudinibus libertatibus asiamantis cum suis pertinen-
ciis / Et quod dictus Gilbertus est legitimus et propinquior heres eiusdem

' [From the Libri Actorum Curiae Viceoomitatus de Aberdene, vol. i., MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— S. PETER CULTEH. 291

quondam Gilberti aui sui de dicto oflScio cum pertinentiis Et quod est
legitime etatis Et quod dictum officium valet nunc per annum seruicium
Et valuit tempore pacis idem Et quod tenetur in capite de Supremo Do-
mino nostro Reg-e per seruicium debitum et consuetum Et nunc existit in
nianibus Supremi Domini nostri Regis legitime per seipsum per spacium
septem annorum per decessum dicti quondam Gilberti aui sui in defectu
veri heredis jus suum hucusque minime prosequentis Datum et clau-
sum etc ■ ]

PETER CULTER.

ETER CULTER, of old Culter, stands hard on
Dee, in Mar. Its tutelar is Saint Peter the
BiS'i m Apostle.'

,^ i^vri Culter. Under King Alexander II., Alan Wau- Mam
^^^/^' chop got these lands ; but they afterward past,
l!v^'^ with a daughter of Sir Adam Wauchop, to Cum-
^ A niing of Inverallachy. ^ The Cummings possessed
it till A. D. M.DCC.xxvi., that

' [" Tho nearest well to the church is called Peter's Well. A few paces from the
church there is a high and steep bank, called Peter^s heugh." Statistical Ace. of Scot.,
vol. xvi., p. 359. Edinb. 1793.]

2 [A brief genealogy of the family of Cumyn of Culter will be found in Nisbet's He-
raldry, vol. ii., appendix, pp. 56, 57. The writer says, " the plain arms of Cumin earl
of Buchan, as I am informed, are to be seen in the great hall of Inverallachy, the old
mansion house of the predecessors of Cumin of Coulter, now possessed by the Erasers : as
also the same plain arms are to be seen on the House of Coulter, supported by two
ostriches ; crest, a garb, or : motto Courage." A short poem by " Sir Alexander Cvmmin,
of Coutter, Knight," is printed in Funerals of a Right Reverend Father in God Patrick
Forbes of Corse, Bishop of Aberdenc, pp. 406, 407- Aberdene, Imprinted by Edward
Raban, 1635. 4to. The Parson of Rothiemay speaks of him as " a gentleman whoise
meanes and estate held no proportion with his old descent, which made him capable of a
far greater estate then any that he possessed." Gordon's Memoirs of Scots Affairs, vol.
iii., p. 199.]

•292 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Carta Regis Willelmi super ecclesia de Kultre • ' (1165 — 1199.)

. Willelmus • Dei gracia Rex Scottorum • Omnibus probis hominibus
tocius terre sue • Sciant presentes et futuri me • dedisse ■ et concessisse •
et hac present! carta confirmasse • Deo • et ecclesie Sancte Marie de Kal-
chou • et monachis ibidem Deo seruientibus • ecclesiam de Kultre iuxta
Abirdene • Tenendam in liberam et perpetuam elemosinam • cum decimis •
et oblacionibus omnimodis • et cum omnibus aliis ad ipsara ecclesiam iuste
pertinentibus • Ita libere • quiete • plenarie • et honorifice ■ sicut alias
ecclesias et elemosinas suas liberius • quiecius . plenius • et honorificen-
cius • tenent et possident • Hiis testibus • etc ■

Confirmacio super ecclesia de Cultir cum pertinenciis . ^ (1178 — 1199.)

Matheus Dei gracia Aberdonensis episcopus . omnibus sancte matris
ecclesie filiis salutem • Sciant presentes et futuri nos concessisse et hac
carta nostra confirmasse • Deo et ecclesie Sancte Marie de Kelchou • et
monachis ibidem Deo seruientibus • ecclesiam de Culter • in liberam et per-
petuam elemosinam [efc] Quare uolumus [etc-l Testibus • Ricardo
episcopo Morauie . Widone abbate de Lundors • Symone archidiacono
de Aberdone • Rogero decano • Hugone capeUano et clerico Regis •
Willelmo • Waltero • Roberto • Galfrido • Andrea • capeUanis epis-
copi •

Confirmacio super ecclesia de Culter cum pertinenciis ■' (1178 — 1199.)

JVIattheus Dei gracia Aberdonensis ecclesie minister humilis • Vniuersis
sancte matris ecclesie filiis salutem • Sciant presentes et futuri nos dedisse
[etc. lit supra] ■ Saluis episcopalibus • Concedimus eciam eis eiusdem

1 [From the Liber Sancte Marie de Calchou, MS., Advocates' Library.]

2 [From tlie same.]

3 [From the same. In this chartulary there are three confirmations of the same church
by Gilbert, Bishop of Aberdeen. The witnesses to the first and second are " Domino
Malcolmo archidiacono • Magistro Alexandre decano • Magistro Willelmo thesaurario •
Magistro Roberto de Leicestre • Domino Jurdano capellano nostro • Domino Eduardo
canonico • Symone de Striuelyn • ;" — to the third " Magistro Omero archidiacono ■
Roberto decano • Joanne decano de Buchan • Waltero persona de Fiwin . Willelmo
capellano ■ "]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— S. PETER CULTER. 293

ecclesie beneficia in proprios vsus conuertere • et capellanos instituere ■
Testibus . Simone archidiacono . Roberto decano . Willelino . et Wal-
tero • capellanis • Matheo clerico • Willelmo persona de Aberdone ■
et aliis .

Super admissione Alani de Soltre capellani ad uicariam ecclesie nostre
de Culter • ' (1239—1240.)

Radulphus miseracione diuina Aberdonensis episcopus . Omnibus presens
scriptum inspecturis uel audituris eternam in Domino salutem . Nouerit
vniuersitas uestra nos / ad presentacionem Abbatis et monachorum de Kal-
chou • admississe • Alanum de Soletre capellanum • ad uicariam ecclesie sue
de Culter eisdem Abbati et monachis in proprios usus confirmate . Quare
uolumus ut dictus Alanus uicarius nobis de cura animarum • et de spiritua-
libus ■ respondeat ■ et dictis Abbati et monachis de temporalibus • scilicet •
de decern et octo marcis annuls pro decimis garbarum quas de eis ad
iirmam tenet in suo proprio satisfaciat • In cuius rei testimonium presens
scriptum sigilli nostri impressione duximus roborandum • Hiis testibus •
uenerabilibus • A • et • J • de Abirbrothoc et de Lundors abbatibus •
domino Malcolmo archidiacono nostro • magistro • R . ofEciali nostro •
raagistro • W • de Bosco • domino • J • de Soletre • et multis
aliis •

Super donacione predicte ecclesie predicto Alano -^ (a. d. 1240.)

Omnibus presens scriptum uisuris uel audituris • Hugo permissione diuina
Abbas de Kelchou • et eiusdem loci conuentus • eternam in Domino •
Salutem • Noueritis nos • anno gracie • m° • cc° • xl" • ad festum
Sancti Joannis Baptiste • dedisse concessisse et presenti carta confir-
masse • Alano de Soletre • capellano et fideli clerico nostro • uicariam
ecclesie nostre de Cultre cum omnibus iustis suis pertinenciis • Reseruatis
nostris omnimodis decimis garbarum eiusdem ecclesie • quas eidem Alano
in suo proprio concessimus ad firmam pro decern et octo marcis nobis
annuatim soluendis ad duos terminos • uidelicet • medietatem ad Ascen-
sionem Domini et medietatem ad Assumpcionem Beate Marie Uirginis •
Memorandum tamen quod secundus terminus solucionis dicte firme de anno

' [From the Liber Sancte Marie de Calchou, MS.]
1 [From the same.]

2 p

294 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

precedente semper debet intelligi • Dictus uero Alanus dicte ecclesie
honeste faciei deseruiri et de omnibus episcopalibus dictara ecclesiam con-
tinofentibus plene respondebit • Ad ista eciam omnia predicta fideliter
obseruanda / et quod dictam firmam sine male ingenio et absque omni con-
tradiccione et cauillacione persoluet • idem • A • coram uiris uenerabilibus
de Aberbrotboc et de Lundors abbatibus • corporale prestitit iuramentum •
In cuius rei testimonium presenti scripto in modum cyrographi confecto et
penes capitulum nostrum residenti ad peticionem ipsius • A • sigillum
uenerabilis uiri doniini • A ■ Aberbroth • una cum sigillo domini • J • abbatis
de Lundors est appositum • Alteri uero parti penes dictum Alanum residenti
sigillum capituli nostri apposuimus • Hiis testibus ■ magistro Hugone de
Bosco . magistro Willelmo de Bosco • magistro Ricardo officiali de Aber-
den • domino • J • de Soltre fratre dicti • A • uicarii • et multis
aliis •

Quod ecclesia de Cultre est nobis in proprios usus • ' (a. d. 1250.)

In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti • Amen • Nos • A • can-
cellarius Morauie • R • thesaurarius • et magister Joannes de Euerley
canonici Dunkeldenses • in ecclesia de Benkori Tarnin constituti • anno
gracie • m" • cC • Quinquagesimo • die Mercurii proximo post festum
Sancti Petri ad vincula • presentibus procuratoribus Abbatis et con-
uentus de Kalchou • mandato Appostolico et instrumentis eorura que habent
super ecclesiam de Cultur in episcopatu Aberdonensi diligenter soliciteque
inspectis • habito prudentum virorum et iurisperitorum consilio • euidenter
perpendimus predictam ecclesiam nuUo iure sibi esse pensionariam sed in
usus proprios canonice deputatam • Unde auctoritate Appostolica nobis in
hac parte commissa • inhibicionem quam fecit venerabilis pater Episcopus
Abirdonensis vicario suo de Cultur et parochianis eiusdem ecclesie de
redditu suo et firma eis non soluendis sentencialiter penitus reuocamus •
reseruata nobis potestate cobercendi contradictores et rebelles si qui fuerint
in posterum •

Litera super libertates spectantes ad ecclesiam de Culter • '^ (1221- — 1239.)
Omnibus has literas visuris vel audituris • Gauterius Byseth eternam in

' [From the Liber Sancte Marie dc Calchou, MS.]

2 [From the same. See Morton's Monastic Annals of Teviotdale, pp. 144, 171, 179.
Edinb. 1832. . 4to.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— S. PETER CULTER. 295

Domino salutem ■ Notum sit vniuersitati vestre quod ego in manu domini
Herbert! abbatis de Kelchou in pleno capitulo Kalchoensi • affidaui pro
me et pro omnibus heredibus et successoribus meis • et sacramento me
obligaui • firmiter obseruare libertates ad ecclesiam suam de Cultir spec-
tantes • et indempnitatera in omnibus et per omnia . ne occasione quoad
opus Templariorura in territorio predicte ecclesie de Culter construxi
aliquid pereat de rebus vel de iure quod ad eandem ecclesiam consueuit •
vel dinoscitur pertinere • Ut autem presenti pagine fides firma adhibeatur
eandem sigilli mei auctoritate roboraui • et dominum meum Regem
Alexandrum per instanciam confirmare feci • Coram hiis testibus . do-
mino Roberto cognato meo • Willelmo Mautolent • Ada de Bernewile •
Ada de Hericbe • Ricardo et Johanne de Bowilden seruientibus Abba-
tis de Kelchou • et aliis •

Composicio inter nos et Magistrum et Fratres Templi Jerosolymytani •
in Scocia • super ecclesia de Cultre ■ ' (a. d. 1287.)

Memorandum quod cum coram de Jeddeword et de Sancta Cruce monas-
teriorum Abbatibus / judicibus a sede Appostolica delegatis et eorum com-
missariis • ac demum coram Subpriore et Sacrista de Dryburch eorundem
commissariis • totaliter et in solidum fuisset questio aliquandiu agitata
inter viros religiosos Abbatem et conuentum Monasterii de Kalchou / ac-
tores ex parte una • et Magistrum et Fratres milicie Templi Jerosolymi-
tani in Scocia / reos ex altera • • Super capella domus Templi ecclesie
de Cultir Abirdonensis dyocesis • quam dicti Abbas et conuentus de
Calchou in parochia de Cultyr Aberdonensis dyocesis / quam se in usus
proprios canonice optinere dicebant / de nouo constructam esse asserentes •
auctoritate cuiusdara priuilegii / ut nullus in parochiis ecclesiarum quas in
proprios usus optinent ecclesiam vel capellam preter eorum assensum de
nouo edificare valeat / sibi a felicis recordacionis papa Urbano quarto in-
dulti • decerni pecierunt sentencialiter fore diruendam • • Nee non super de-
cimis maioribus et minoribus • ac obuencionibus omnimodis • prouenienti-
bus / tarn de terris et culturis propriis eorundem Magistri et Fratrum / quam
de aliis bonis suis omnibus infra dictam terram suam de Cultir existenti-
bus • quas iidera Abbas et conuentus ad dictam ecclesiam parochialem
de Cultir spectare • et a Magistro et Fratribus predictis occupatas et iniuste

' [From the Liber S. Marie de Calchou, MS.]

296 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

detentas esse asserentes • sibi nomine dicte ecclesie parochialis de Cultir
restitui pecierunt • et ipsos Magistrum et Fratres ad earum restitucionein
sentencialiter condempnari et compelli • ■ Exhibuerunt Magister et Fratres
predicti quedam priuilegia sedis Appostolice / ex quorum inspeccione con-
stare videbatur Fratribus sui ordinis generaliter esse indultum ab antiquo •
Quod liberi sint et exempti a prestacione decimarum tam de terris suis quas
ad culturara deduxerunt et deducunt / quam de terris illis quas propriis
manibus ac sumptibus excolunt / nee non de ortis • virgultis • molendi-
nis • pratis • eciam et piscariis suis • ac animalium suorum nutrimentis •
Quodque liceat eiusdem ordinis Fratribus in terris desertis • sibi pia deuo-
cione collatis • ecclesias seu capellas ■ et cimiteria ■ pro se et hominibus suis
ibidem manentibus • in terris aut culturis sibi justo titulo collocatis / pro
se ac familia sua et transeuntibus fabricare • • Proponendo se / huiusmodi
priuilegiorum auctoritate / dictam capellam liberam pleno jure apud domuni
suam de Cultir • cum cimiterio • et baptisterio eiusdem • nee non decimas et
obuenciones omnimodas de ortis ■ virgultis • molendinis • pratis ■ pisca-
riis • et culturis propriis • ac etiam animalium suorum nutrimentis • nee
non de terris suis • scilicet • de Tulischeyerit • et Blaris • sibi de fo-
resta Regis dum deserte fuerant et inculte collatis / quadraginta annis et
amplius pacifice possedisse • • Proposuerunt eciam quod suis hominibus in
aliis terris suis ■ scilicet • de Kincolsi • Escentully • et de utraque Deli-
burry • manentibus / quos temporaliter fouere tenentur et tueri / sepultu-
ram ecclesiasticam • baptismum ■ et alia sacramenta ecclesiastica ■ instanter
petentibus cum egerent / negare non poterant nee debebant • Turn quod
iidem homines eciam volentes ad dictam ecclesiam parochialem de Cultir /
trans flumen grande sitam / venire • propter magnitudinem illius fluminis inter-
currentis / pontem vel pontonem non habentis / perraro accedere possunt et
poterunt ab antiquo • propter quod tam corporum quam animarum homi-
num ipsorum frequens periculum hactenus imminebat • Turn eciam quod
ipsi Fratres Templi terras predictas / in quibus iidem homines commorantur /
propriis suis sumptibus et laboribus ad culturam primitus redigerunt •
propter quod / secundum tenorem priuilegiorum predictorum / licite dicebant
iis decimas et ecclesiasticas obuenciones omnimodas terrarum ipsarum ut-
pote incultarum et desertarum libere suis usibus applicare ■ • Tandem / ut
•omnis materia questionis super premissis inter partes predictas in perpe-
tuum tolleretur - auctoritate Subprioris et Sacriste de Dryburch commis-
■sariorum supradictorum interueniente • Partes predicte super premissis ami-

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— S. PETER CULTER. 297

cabiliter composuerunt in hunc modum ■ videlicet • • Quod Magister et
Fratres predicti capellam suara predictam pleno jure liberam habcant in
perpetuutn • cum cimiterio • et baptisterio eiusdera • pro se et familia
sua • et transeuntibus • ac eciam pro hominibus pro tempore manentibus
in terris suis predictis / sibi de foresta Regis dicto modo collatis ■ • Nee
non decimas et obuenciones omniraodas / tam de propriis culturis • molen-
dinis ■ piscariis • pratis • et animalium suorum nutrimentis ■ ac aliis bonis
suis propriis omnibus / quara de predictis terris sibi de foresta Regis
collatis • et hominum in eisdem terris pro tempore manencium - libere • et
quiete • habeant et percipiant in perpetuum / secundum tenorem priuile-
giorura suorum • • Jus eciam parochie et decimarum et obuencionum / quod
et quale dictum monasterium de Kalchou et eiusdem loci Abbas et con-
uentus habuerunt / aut habere poterunt • in aliis terris Magistri et Fratrum
predictorum • scilicet ■ de Kincolsy • EscentuUy • et de utraque Daly-
burry • appropriabunt et consolidabunt iidem Magister et Fratres predicte
capelle sue in perpetuum / propter causas superius assignatas • Et idem jus
adeo liberum sicut ipsam capellam / saluo jure vicarii perpetui parochialis
ecclesie de Cultyr / habebunt et tenebunt in perpetuum • Reddendo pre-
dicto monasterio de Kalchou annuatim / pro recompensacione fruetuum et
prouentuum quos idem monasterium de terris predictis • Kincolsy - Es-
centuUy • et de utraque DuUiburry • et hominibus habitantibus in eis-
dem nomine decimarum et obuencionum percipere consueuit / octo mar-
cas • et dimidiam • sterlingorum annuas in domo Templi de Blantrodoc /
ad festum Sancti Jacobi cuiuslibet anni / termino prime solucionis incipi-
ente in festo Sancti Jacobi Apostoli anni Domini • m' • cc' • lxxx""
Octaui • • Et ut dicta composicio rata et firma et inconcussa inperpetuiun
permaneat / partes predicte se ad ipsius composicionis obseruacionem / tam
juramento corporaliter prestito / quara legitima stipulacione obligarunt
Et nichilominus per stipulacionem legittimam sibi inuicem alternatim soluere
promiserunt interesse / tocies per partem dictam composicionem ipsam fide-
liter obseruantem exigendum • quociens partem alterutram contra compo-
sicionem predictam in aliquo venire seu contra cam praua machinacione
quicquid attemptare contingent / rata nichilominus manente in omnibus
composicione supradicta ■ Adjicientes et specialiter concedentes quod hu-
iusmodi interesse quocies commissum fuerit probetur solo Sacramento
procuratoris partis sepedictam composicionem obseruantis • • Et ad ma-
iorem huius composicionis securitatem / partes prenominate renunciauerunt

298 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

in hac parte / pro se et successoribus suis inperpetuum / excepcioni doli

condicioni ex lege et sine causa vel iniusta causa beneficio resti-

tucionis in integrum et nouarum constitucionum / Uteris eciam Appostolicis
super bonis alienatis et distractis ■ nee non graciis indulgenciis et priuile-
giis contra composicionem presentem / ab eadem sede optentis et optinen-
dis ■ ac omni accioni et excepcioni ■ consuetudini et statuto • nee non omni
cauillacioni et impugnacioni • ac omnibus auxiliis et remediis • tam juris
quam facti • quibus dicta composicio et eius etfectus possent infirmari vel
impugnari • seu impediri vel ditferri ■ • Ad hec predicti Abbas et con-
uentus / una cum predictis Magistro et Fratribus / procurabunt et facient
quatenus in eis est supplicando quod Episcopus Aberdonensis supradictam
composicionem / pro se et successoribus suis / ratificabit et approbabit • et
quod decanus et capitulum Abirdonense supradictis ratificacioni et appro-
bacioni confirmatorium consensum prestabunt ■ ■ In cuius rei testimonium •
Parti huius instrument! cyrographati bipartiti penes dictos Magistrum et
Fratres residenti / sigillum commune monasterii de Kalchou et sigilla
predictorum Subprioris et Sacriste commissariorum sunt appensa • Parti
vero penes dictum monasterium de Kalchou residenti / appensa sunt sigilla
Magistri domus Templi in Scocia • et commune sigillum Teraplie Anglic ■
et commissariorum predictorum • ■ Datum / apud Laweder • • Die Martis •
proximo post festum Omnium Sanctorum • • Anno Domini ■ m° ■ ccc" •
Lxxx™" • Septimo •

Carta Roberti de Waluchop. ' (a. d. 1247.)

• Alexander • Dei gracia Rex Scotorum • omnibus probis hominibus tocius
terre sue salutem • Sciant presentes et futuri nos dedisse [etc.'] Roberto
de Waluchop • filio Allani de Waluchop • pro homagio et seruicio suo •
terram de Tulinaeboy ■ per has diuisas • videlicet • de Blan Macogamger
versus terram Episcopi Sancti Andree • de Glascul • et sic usque ad lacum
de Bencher • et de eodem lacu usque ad Tuboinsby • et sic usque Starna-
moneth • intrando et exeundo per viam de Starnamoneth • et per mediam
forestam nostram usque Burin • et illam piscariam de Burin quam bondi
nostri habere solebant dum eadem terra fuit in manu nostra • et sic ex alia
parte de Starnamoneth usque Pulnacoy • et sic per viam siccam de Pulna-
coy usque riuolum de Paforyn • et sic in aquilonari parte eiusdem riuoli as-

' [From a transumpt printed in the Archacologia Scotica, vol. i., pp. 366, 367.]

PRESBYTERY OF ABERDEEN— S. PETER CULTER. 299

cendendo per viam siccani usque Kolnakrants • et sic de Kolnakrants usque
ad terram de Gerinto que est Allani Hostiarii • Dedimus eciam concessimus
et hac nostra carta confirmamus eidem Roberto de Waluchop • terras de
Culter . et de Aroboyk • per has diuisas • videlicet • de Camrisilick us-
que Technabrodach • et de Technabrodach usque ad riuolum de Cardani •
et sic ascendendo usque ad Spelancus Ulpin versus terram Episcopi de
Aberden • Tenendas et habendas [eic] Faciendo nobis et heredibus nos-
tris terciam partem seruieii unius militis et forinsecum Scoticanum quantum
pertinet ad predictas terras • Testibus • Alexandre Cumin comite de Bu-
chane • Roberto de Ros • Nicbolao de Soulis • Roberto de Ellemers •
Bernardo de Upellars • et Willelmo Olifard • Apvd Rukisbrugh • sextd
decimo die Octobris • Anno regni nostri • Tricesimo Tercio •

Decreitt gevin aganis Alexander Cumyn of Cultir • ' (5 February, 1489.)

In the accioune and causs persewit be William Cumyn of Inueraloquhv
massir aganis Alexander Cumyn of Cultir for the wrangvris detencioune and
withaldin fra him of the malez and protfitis of the landis of The Hirne of
the Mertimes terme in the yere of God j" iiij'^ Ixxxvij yeris extending to
V merkis and of the malez and profEtis of Drumquhirny of the samyn
terme extendin to xxvj s • viij d • takin vp and intromett uith wrangwisly be
the said Alexander contrare the mony actis and decrettis gevin in the said
mater of before / And for the wrangwis occupacioune and manurin of the
said landis of The Hirne sen the xv day of Nouember in the yere aboun
expremit And to refounde and pay to the said William the froitis and
proffitis of the saidis landis of The Hirne quhilk he micht haue haid
thairof gif he haid lauborit the sammyn with his avne propir gudis that is

' [From the Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 107. On the twenty-third of October, 1488,
there was a plea moved between " Williame Cumyn of Inuerellochquhy" and " Alexander
Cumyn of Cultir his brothir." (Id., p. 92. And see, on the sixth of November, 1490,
p. 163.) On the fourth of July, 1494, there was an " actioune and causs persewit be
Archibald erle of Anguss chancellare of Scotland aganis Alexander Cumyn of Cultir for
the wrangwis detencioun and withhalding fra him of the landis of Arbady and Inchmerlach.'
(Id., p. 354.) On the sixteenth of October, 1479, " the lordis auditouris decretis and
deliueris that William Cummyn of Cultir sail content and paye to Alexander Frascr of Fil-
lorth knycht and James Fraser of Mamissy the soume of i"^ pundis of the rest of a mare
soume acht to thame be his obligatione schewin and producit befor the lordis." (Acta Do-
minorum Auditorum, p. 90.)]

300

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

to say vij chalderis of aitis sawing estimeit to the thrid come the soume
xxj chalder price of the boll iiij s • xviij bollis of here sawing estimeit to
the ferd corne the soume Ixxij bollis price of the boll viij s • the proffitis
that he micht haue haid of nolt scheip and vther cattale quhilk micht haf
bene sustenit one the said gronde be the tyme extending to four pundis as
wes alleglit [etc.'] The lordis of consale decrettis and deliueris that the
said Alexander Cumyn sail content and pay to the said William five merkis
for the Mertimes male of the said landis of The Hirne and xxvj s • viij d •
of the malez of the said landis of Drumquhirny takin vp be the said Alexan-
der as wes sufficiently prefit before the lordis And alse that he sail content
and pay to the said William xv chalderis of aitis price of the boll iiij s • xxx
bollis of here price of the boll viij s ■ and v crovnis for the proffitis of pas-
turing [etc.l

MARY CULTER.

"t/Gro

ARY CULTER lieth hard on Dee in The Mernis.
It hath the Blessed Virgin Mary for its tutelar.
This parish, though in Saint Andrew's diocese '
yet, by that Primate's dispensation, is annexed to
this presbytery.
,, PiTFODDELS, (or Marv Culter,) the seat

Mannor. _ ^_ ■'

of Menzies of Pitfoddels.

' [Before the Reformation, St. Mary Culter appears to have been but a kind of chapel-
lainry dependent on the mother church of St. Peter Culter, and so in the diocese of Aberdeen.
(See above, pp. 292 — 298.) It does not appear in the lists of the churches in the diocese
of St. Andrews. (See Liber Cartarum Prioratus Sancti Andree, p. 37 ; Registrum de
Dunfermelyn, p. 211.) Its boundaries are thus described in the Chartulary of Aberdeen :

" Limites de Mariculter •

'• Thir ar merys of the landis of Cultyr pertenand to the Tempill of Saynt Jon • To begyn
at the est half / at the burn of The Ardach as it descendis in the watir of Dee • And sua
endland that burn and about Tulyschetir to the hill of Knokyndythir . And sua furth west
to Drumdothrik • And sua to the syde of Corsley ■ And syne furth on the west half to the
Cors of Brechmount • And syne downe betwixt the twa Essyntulis to the Crag of Essyn-
tuly • And sua downe to Drumdarach / and thar wes a Cors ■ And sua in the watir of
Dee / on the west half of the land of Cultyr towart Durrys • "

Some notices of the parish are printed in the Archaeologia Scotica, vol. iii., pp. 15, 16.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— ELLON. 301

IN THE PRESBYTERY OF ELLON.

ELLON.

LLON hath the Blessed Virgin Mary for its tute-
y,, lar. The patronage' belongeth to the Earl of
M^ Aberdeen ; quho had it from Waterton ; who had
it from the Earl of Elgin ; who got it with the
I otlier patronages belonging to Kinloss Abbay. It
has a choii-, and two isles : one, for the Cheynes
of Essilmont, (now extinct) ; another, for the For-
beses, but built by the Bannermans, of Waterton. But both are
now neglected and ruinous.

It has two silver chalices gifted by Forbes of Waterton.

at Chappelton of Essilmont. Chappei.

Ellon, formerly Kermucks, and, under that name, possessed by Manners.
Forbes of Waterton ; and, before him, by Kennedy of Kermuck.
The possessor of it, by a peculiar right, is Constable of Aberdeen.'^
It has been built anew by the present possessor, Gordon of Ellon,
(son to a farmer in Bourtie,) a merchant in Edinburgh, and once a
baillie there, and a rich man. And it is accounted here a very great
house, the great hall having two rows of windows, and being twenty-
eight foot high.

Essilmont, an old castle, the seat of the Cheynes of Essilmont,'

' [In a roll of lost charters by King Robert I. is " Carta gran tit to the Abbot of
Kinloss, [of] the advocatioun and donatioun of Elon." (Robertson's Index to the Char-
ters, p. 2.) On the sixteenth of March, 1479, " befor the lordis James Erie of Buchan
present in person Maister William Wawane to the prebend of Ellione to my Lord of Abir-
dene as ordinar and thairupoun the Erie of Buchane askit ane instrument." (Acta Domi-
norum Concilii, p. 23. See also, pp. 302, 303).]

' [See Gordon's Description of both Touns of Aberdeen, p. 20 ; The Book of Bon- Ac-
cord, pp. 373 — 375. The seal of " Wilyeame Kynidy Constabil of Abirdene," (1487), is
engraved in The Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. ii., plate i.]

' [On the thirtenth of December, 1479, " the lordis assignis to Henry Chene of
Essilmond the xvij day of Januar to prufe that the landis of the mylne of Essilmond
Camehill Crag Hede and the half of Fortre contenit in the chartour made be the said

2 Q

302 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

now possessed by the Earl of Aberdeen. In a Manuscript Genea-
logy of the Cheynes, (in two quartos,) in the hands of George Leslie

Henry to his [sone] Johne Chene and Elisabeth Annand his spous ar worth xx pundis."
(Acta Doniinorum Concilii, p. 45. See also Acta Dominorum Auditorum, pp. 88, 96.]

On the fifth of February, 1493, " the lordis of consale decrettis and deliueris that Johne
Chene sone and apperand are to Henrj Cheine of Essilmont sail restore content and deliuer
to Johne Robertsone Andro Thomsoun Alexander Burne Alexander Robertsone Thomas
Robertsone and Robert Andersone tennentis for the tyme of the landis of Mekle Crage
thir gudis and soumez vndir writtin insafar as wes takin fra like ane of thaim that is to say
xix ky and oxin price of the pece xvj schillingis twa oxin price of the pece xij schillingis
thre stirkis twa of thre yere aide and ane of twa yere aide price of the pece x schillingis
And vij pundis vsuale money of Scotland." (Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 274.)

On the twelfth of February, 1493, " the lordis of consale decrettis and deliueris that
Henrj Chene of Essilmont and Johne Chene his sone and apperand are sail restore content
and pay thir gudis Tndirwrittin to thir personis eftir folowing that is to say To Thomas
Mvlne a blak horse price xl s • Johne Jamesone twa mennis govnis and twa wemenis
govnis price iiij merkis x s • To Johne Robertsoune twa clevkkis price xiij s • iiij d • a
covering of a bed price xiij s • iiij d ■ twa pare of double schetis price xiij s • iiij d ■ xiiij
eln of quhite claith price xxviij s • a pe govne and a dowblate price xx s ■ five eln of
lynyng claith price v s • four eln of canwes price xl d • twa burdclaithis price viij s • a
pare of slevis of garsay price xviij d • a curche of sevin quartaris price vij s • and certane
gudis of houshalde extendin to iiij s ■ twa blankatis and a covering price xvj s • xiij s -
iiij d • of siluer To Alexander Thomesone in Artrochy a horss price xxx s • a manis
govne price xxx s • a womanis govne and a haik price xl s • five curcheis a blak hude cer-
tane wemenis coUaris price 1 s • thre pare of double schetis price xxiiij s • a rede covering
and a blankate price xiij s • iiij d • a burd claith price iij s • four eln of lenying claith price
iiij s • twa schort govnis price ij markis a new bonate price vj s • viij d • a blew cap a
hat price xl d • twa dowblates of fustiane price xvj s • a sword price v s • a mantill and a
clok price xx s • three pare of hoiss price x s . a sek price ij s -To Johne Jamesone a
horss price iij merkis a mer price ij merkis thre curcheis price vj s • sevin quarteris of
quhite price xviij d • blana kate price xviij d • ij pare of hoiss thre collaris of braid claith
twa beltis a Tendale knyfF a horss came a byrnyng irne price of thaim all iiij s • To ane
callit Mekle Johne a horss price xl s • a mantill price vj s • viij d • To Johne Hay in
Slanys a horss and sadill price iiij pundis To Schyr James Wilsone a horss price vj merkis
To Thomas Baxter a sadill a pare of buttis twa bollis of dry corne price x s • To Gilbert
Forest a mer price xx s • three pare of double schetis price xxx s • three blankatis price
xs • four eln of quhite claith price vs • viij d • a curche of braid claithe price viij s •
iiij d • a womanis govne price xxvij s • a govne of blew gray price vj s • twa dowblatis
twa pare of hoiss price x s • a womanis govne price vj s • a blak hud price ij s • ten eln
of canves price vj s ■ twa sakkis price iiij s ■ a sadill and graith pertenyn thairto price
vj s • a hekle price ij s • a pare off cardis price xxx d . a caiss with thre barbouris knyffis

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— ELLON. 303

of Eden, there is this account of the Cheynes from the times of
King Alexander III. :

twa pare of barbouris syssoris a kame a mvrrour price x s • ane irne speit price iij s • twa
stane of buttir price vij s • vj d a jak price xxiiij s ■ twa pundis of wax price v s • vj d •
a blak hat price xiiij d • four inlokis price xxxij d ■ Qiihilkis gudis were spulyeit and takin
fra the saidis persones be the saidis Henrj and Johne and thair complicis as wes sufficiently
previt before the lordis and ordinis that lettrez be writtin to distrenye thaim thair landis
and gudis thairfore And the said Johne Cliene wes present at this actioun." (Acta Domi-
noruin Concilii, p. 282.)

On the eighteenth of February, 1493, " the lordis of consale decrettis and deliueris
that Henrj Chene of Essilmont and Johne Chene his sone and apperand are sail restore
content and pay to thir personis vnder urittin thir gudis eflir folowand that is to say To
Dauid Jamesone a womanis govne price xx s - x eln of quhite claith and a blankat price
IT s ■ a hat and a tippait price xxx d • a sadill and a briddill price v s • a pare of cardis
price xxx d • a hekle price xxx d ■ a girdill price iiij s • four corne hukis price ij s / To
William Robert a sellait price j merk v eln of claith price xxx d ■ a chandelare and
sheris price vj s • twa hukkis price x d • twa lokis price xvj d ■ a pare of brodykynnis a
speit price vj s • a pare tayngis and a govne price xx s / To Sym Jamesone a horss price
xl s • a ox price xxx s ■ a litlo caddroun price v s • a pot price vj s ■ item a sadill a
bridill price vj s ■ viij d ■ a pare of hoiss price xxx d • a pare of cardis price xxx d • a
grene govne price a merk xv eln of lenyng claith price x s • a eln and a half of quhite
braid claith price iij s • a stane of cheis price iij s • Item to Johne Baxster a yong mer
price XX s • a caddrowne price vj s • a siluer regne price x s • twa bruchis price xijd •
twa curcheis twa sarkis twa collaris a silkin laiss a pare of glovis price of thaim all xxv s •
a govne of blew gray price xiij s • iiij d . viij pundis of cheiss a stane of buttir
price v s . Item to Johne Gibsone youngar a brovne horss price iiij raerkis Item to
Patrik Makkesone thre stane of woll price xxiiij s • four stane of lynt price ij merkis thre
pare of schetis price xxv s • x d . thre double blankatis price xvj s • twa new sekkis price
iiij s • a mantill price v s • twa schilling of siluer a hewin ax price xij d . two lokis price
xij d • Item to Andro Tailyor a blew govne a tanne govne price ij merkis a dowblat price
X s • a eln of blew gray price ij s • a pare of hoiss price iij s • a new caddrovne price
xiij s • iiij d • Item to Maister Gilbert Ottirburn persone of Slanis xij oxin price of the
pece xxiiij s ■ twa towellis a burdclath price x s • Item to Thomas Banerman vij bollis
and twa firlotis of malt price vij pundis x s • a caddrovne price xx s • twa hingand lokis a
flauchtir sped a cruk thre hukkis a pare of tangis a pet spaid price x s • Item to Alex-
ander Jobnesone certane guids of houshalde to the avale of xl s • Fra Agnes Stedman to the
avale of xl s • Item to Andro Cathnes to the avale of xxx s • Item fra James Wode v s •
Item fra James Ranysone twa hors price iij pundis Item frae Johne Lang iiij s ■ Item fira
Duncane Cok to the avale of ix s • The quhilkis gudis wer spuilyeit and takin be the said
Henrj and Johne and thair complicis as wes sufficiently preffit before the lordis." (Acta
Dominorum Concilii, pp. 287, 288. See also pp. 190, 243, 256, 275, 281, 289, 294, 296.)

On the twenty-second of June, 1493, " the lordis auditouris decrettis and deliueris that

304 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Francis, lord Cheyne of Inverugy and Essilmont, had by his wife
Isabel, daughter to John Gumming earl of Buchan, (besides his heir
Francis,) Sir Reynauld Cheyne of Straloch, and Henry, Bishop of
Aberdeen. This Sir Reynauld had by his second wife Janet Mar-
shal, heiress of Essilmont, John Cheyne of Essilmont ; quho had, by
Katherine Fenton, daughter to the lord Fenton, Henry Cheyne of

Essilmont ; who by daughter to the laird of Ogstoun, had

Sir Henry Cheyne of Essilmont ; who by daughter to Sir

Gilbert Hay of Ardendrit, (brother to the Earl of Errol,) had Sir
John Cheyne of Essilmont ; who by Elisabeth Waan, daughter to
the laird of Stenstoun, had (besides his heir, Sir Patrick Cheyne of
Essilmont,) Mr. Laurence Cheyne, commissary of Aberdeen ; which
Mr. Laurence had by Margaret, daughter to William Troup of That
Ilk. Mr. Alexander Cheyne, commissary of Aberdeen ; who by
Katharine, daughter to Patrick Bruce of Pitcullo, had John
Cheyne ; who by Elizabeth, daughter to William Crookshank of
Tillimorgan, had six daughters, the eldest of whom, Isabel, married
Sir Patrick Leslie of Eden, provost of Aberdeen. Nota bene.
In the Litera Communitatis Scotiae to Edward I. of England,
A.D. M.cc'.LXXXix., about the marriage of The Maid of Norway,

William Hay of Arddendracht Patrik Rede of Colistoun and Johne the Hay of Ardgrane sail
restore content and pay to Henry Chene of Essilmont and Johnne Chene his sone andapperaiid
are threttene skore twelf yowis price of the pece thie sch • xxv oxin and ky price of the pece
owrhed xx s • thre horss price of ane x merkis price of the tothir iiij nierkis and price of
the thrid xx s • and alss sail content and pay to the said Henrj and Johnne for the prof-
fitis of the saidis yowis for euere ilk yow yerly of the said thre yeris xvj d • And for the
dampnage and scatht sustenit be thaim in the distructioune of the Place of Essilmont xx pundis
And for the dampnage and scathtis sustenit be thaim throw the laying waist of the landis uf
Essilmont and Carnyhill yerely of thre yeris xiiij chalderis of atis price of the chalder vj
merkis thre chalder of here and quhete price of the chalder xij merkis And alss decrettis and
deliueris that Gilbert the Hay the said Patrik Rede and Johne the Hay sail pay to the said
Henrj and Johne for twa chalder of aitis distroyit and etin be the saidis persons xvj merkis
As wes sufficiently previt befor the lordis [ete] • And as to the distructioun of the
cornez of Essilmonde becauss it is previt thai wer brint be seruitouris of tlie Erie of Erolis
the lordis referris that parte to be decidet before the justice [etc] ■ " \ Acta Dominorum
Auditorum, p. 183. See also, pp. 12(5. 153.)J

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— ELLON. 305

I find among the barons that sign it " Renaud le Chen, le pere,"
and " Renaud le Chen, le fltz." *

Arnage, of old the seat of the Cheynes' of Arnage,' since bought
by Rose, a merchant in Aberdeen.

* Foedera Angliae, toui. ii., p. 471.

' [" Jacobds CHEYNAEns, nobiU familia Arnagia, prope Aberdoniam, oriundus, Pa-
risiis docuit in Barbarano, tanto applausu ut unicus haberetur qui inter seculares societatis,
patribus turn maxime florentibus, componeretur. Duaci postea et doctoris et rectoris onus
sustinuit, ubi sen tutclare numen etiamnum celebratur ; ad ultimuni Nerviensi ecclesiae
hodie poenitentiarius, ingentes et opinione majores census reliquiti quos testamento Scoto-
rum Lutetiae vix bene fundato assignavit Collegio, sed fraude per executores facta, parum
pio Usui accessit. Hie etiam juventutem Thomae Dempster! honestis monitis ad virtutem
capessendam accendit, auctor ut triennio Duaci subsisteret cum juvenili impetu Parisios
cogitaret. Vir erat magna probitate, et jucuiida morum, supra quam credi possit, suavitate ;
nusquam liberalis, nisi cum pia subesset causa. Ejus sunt; ' Orationes Rectoriae III.'
Duaci prodierunt. ' Geographia Universi, lib. iv.' Hanc non vidi, ut reliqua, sed saepe
a reeentioribus citatur, praesertim a Purchasio, Magino et aliis. • De Laudibus Philoso-
phiae, lib. i. ; Analysis in Aristotelis Logicam, lib. i. ; Analysis in Aristotelis Physicam,
lib. i. ; Analysis in Aristotelis Ethicam, lib. i, ; Analysis in Aristotelis Metaphysicam, lib.
i.' Tres priores legi Parisiis excusas ; an quarta prodierit, affirmare baud ausim, ipse certe
promisit. ' Epistolae, lib. i.' Obiit Tornaci in Nerviis, anno m d cii." (T. Dempster!
Hist. Ecclesiast. Gent. Scot., t. i., pp. 193, 194.) See also Maidment's Catalogues of
Scotish Writers, p. 79 ; J. F. Foppens, Bibliotheca Belgica, Bruxellis, 1739, 4to. ;
Watts'' Bibliotheca Britannica ; A. Strachani Panegyricvs Inavgvralis in Benefactores
Vniversitatis Aberdonensis, p. 29. Aberd. 1631. 4to. ; Joannis Ker Donaides ; sive Mu-
sarum Aberdonensium de exima Jacobi Fraserii, J. U. D. in Academiam Regiam Aberdo-
nensem munificentia. Carmen Eucharisticum, p. 16. Edinb. 1725. 4to. ; Nisbet's He-
raldry, vol. i., p. 4il.]

2 [" John Gordon, (son to John Gordon of Coldwells in Ellon parish, descended of the
family of Haddo, by Marjory Cheyne daughter to William Cheyne of Ainage in tlic same
parish,) having been formerly a sea chaplain, was promoted to the see of Galloway in 1688,
as 'tis said, by the Earl of Melfort, (who being himself a Roman catholic, 'tis thought meant
no kindness to the church of Scotland by it,) and consecrated at Glasgow by Archbishop
Paterson. He is reported to have been of a very unguarded conversation, artfull, and
pragmatical, and so complaisant on a view of interest as even to yeild up principles. He
followed King James VII. into Ireland, where that Prince made him chancellor of Dublin,
the archbishop having fled. He also attended that King into France. He is believed to
have been the author of' Pax Vobis,' a shrewd little book full of a sort of puzling sophistry,
and designed against the reformation. About 1702, he went to Rome, (Nullite des Ordinations
.\nglicanes par le R. P. Michel le Quien Professeur de Theologie, tome ii., p. 313, a Paris,
1725 [in-12.]); where having abjured his religion before Cardinal Sacripante, and having also

30(> VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Waterton, on the bank of Ythan, was built after the reformation,
by the Bannermans, who thereafter bought Elsick ; ' and is now

1 enounced the orders he had received among the protestants as null in themselves, he re-
ceived in 1704 the tonsure from the pope, Clement XI., (from whom he took the additional
name of Clement,) and the four lesser orders from Cardinal Casoni, having declined the
three greater. After this he had a pension from the pope, with the honorary title of Abbot,
and was alive there in 1723, being then about eighty -two years old. He dyed at Rome in
1726, bavins survived all the other deprived Bishops of Scotland. We have a fragment of
this Bishop's, (published by Le Quien,) written against M. Courayer's Defence of the Vali-
dity of the English Ordinations, which tends to give one but a low opinion either of his
humility, charity, or politeness." (Account of Scotish Bishops, MS. in the library at
Slaines, written about the year 1730.)

The same volume furnishes this notice of one of the " Bishops consecrated in Scotland since
1688 :" " Mr. William Irvine, (son to Alexander Irvine of Fortrie in the parish of Ellon,)
was, first, tutor to the sons of Sir James Foullis of Collington, a lord of session ; after that,
minister of Kirkmichel in Carrick. He attended the Earl of Durofermling into France in
1G90, (having been himself at Gillikranky, for which he was imprisoned at Dundee, but
escaped thence to St Germans). He was taken at Preston in 1715, and thence carried to
the Fleet prison. After that he lived commonly at Lithgow. He died at Edinburgh,
December the ninth 1723, and was buried beside Bishop Ross at Restalrig. He was of &
tbrwaid and fiery temper, rough and blustring."

Dr. .lohn Paterson, parson of Ellon, (son of John, Bishop of Ross from 1662 to 1679,)
was in October, 1662, translated to the Tron church at Edinburgh ; in 1674, was preferred
to the see of Galloway ; in 1679, to that of Edinburgh ; and in 1687, to the Archbishopric
of Glasgow. He died at Edinburgh in the year 1708, aged seventy-six years. " He was
elder brother to Sir William Paterson, clerk to the councel ; and was bred in Marishal
CoUedge. He was a great promoter of the Test, and studied always too much to please
the court." (MS. Account of Scot. Bish.) According to this writer, the Archbishop's
father was " son to Mr. Paterson minister at LogieDurno, and was minister first at Logie-
Durno, then at Ellon, and after that at Aberdeen." Archbishop Paterson occupies a pro-
minent place in the scandalous " Answer to the Scotch Presbyterian Eloquence," [p. 64,]
Lond. 1693. 4to ; and in the kindred work of Mr. James Kirkton, " The Secret and True
History of the Church of Scotland," [pp. 182—183,] Edinb. 1817. 4to. See also " A Second
Book of Scotish Pasquils," p. xx. Edinb. 1828. 8vo; where, addressing his lordship, the
writer says, "thy great-grandfather was bcddall in the Kirk of Ellon ; thy grandfather was
curate in the Chappell of Garioch, etc." An indignant letter from the Archbishop, refuting
the calumnies with which he had been assailed, dated from his prison in the castle of Edin-
burgh on the twenty-first of January, 1693, is printed in " Some Remarks upon the Answer
to the Scots Presbyterian Eloquence," [pp. 77—82,] Lond. 1693. 4to. In reference to
one of the allusions of Kirkton, see Gordon's Reformed Bishop, p. 5.]

' [The author here follows an account of the family of " Bannerman of That Ilk," in
Nisbet's Heraldry, vol. ii., append., pp. 143 — 145. But the Bannermans held Elsick at a much

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON—ELLON. 307

possessed by the Forbeses of Waterton ; the first of whom, beiinr
a son of Tolquhon, finished the house about the middle of tlie
last age.

Abbotshall, (where was a good orchard,) the seat of the Abbot
of Kinloss here, now ruinous, stood on the shoar near the mouth of
Ythan.

Turner-Hall. It is named from the present possessor, Mr.
Turner of Turner-Hall. It was purchased for him by a rich mer-
chant, who had returned home from Poland to Aberdeen, and was
extremely desirous that, seeing he had no children, one of his own
name should have an estate, which should be so denominated as to
preserve his memory. Before him it was called Rosehill, while
the Roses, (of Kilravock's family,) held it ; and, before that, Hil-
ton, under the Donaldsons.

AucHTERELLON, lately the seat of Udny of Auchterellon ; and.
before them, of the Annands of Auchterellon.

DuDWicK, in the last age, was the seat of General King, created
Earl of Ythan' by King Charles I., who dyed childless." It lately
belonged to Fullerton of Dudwick ; who left it to his nephew, John
Udny, (son to Auchterellon,) on condition of his changing his name
to Fullerton ; which he accordingly has done.

earlier period than this genealogist supposed. A deed now in the charter room at Slaines,
dated at Essilmont on the twentieth of April, 1441, is witnessed by "Gylbert the Haye of
Droinlau knycht / Gylbert Meingyes / John the Vans ; Wat of Dumbrek burges of Abir-
dene / Richart the Vans of Fyndon / Wiliame Red of Colyston and Jhone Banernian of
Alsicke." Another deed, in the same archives, dated " in ecclesia parochiali de Ellon"
on the seventh of November, 1457, is witnessed " honorabilibus et prouidis viris Johanne
Bannerman de Alesyk / Symonc Bannerman de Balmacassy / Dauid Annand de Ochtirellon
Willelrao Wausse / Thoma Lype / Johanni clerico / et Jacobo Heroun."]

' [Lord Eythin. See Douglas' Peerage of Scotland, by Wood, vol. i., pp. j57, 5o><.
Edinb. 1813. fol.]

2 [" He was a person of great honor ; but what he had savd of it at Vlotho in Germanic,
where he made shipwracke of much of it, he losd in England." (Sir James Turner's Me-
moirs, p. 31. Edinb. 1829. 4to.) See also Lord Clarendon's History of the Rebellion, pp.
346, 493, 494, edit. Oxford, 1843. Svo ; Spalding, History of Troubles, vol. ii., pp. 108,
118,140,245,280,284; Baillie's' Letters and Journals, vol. i., p. 269; vol. ii., pp. 57-
Hi, -201, 203,204.]

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[description of ELLON, BY MR. ALEXANDER HEPBURN. M.DCC.XXI. '

Still eastwards doun the river is a great part of the parish of Ellon, in Buthquhan ;
where stands the mannor of Arnage, belonging to Rickard of Arnage ; that of
Turnerhall, the residence of Turner of Turnerhall ; Auchterellon, the jointure
house of the lady dowager of Auchterellon ; from which, a mile towards the
south-east, is the village of Ellon, pleasantly situated on the river. In it is the
parish kirk, an old building in form of a cross. There is a tolbooth and a large
building for a tavern, far exceeding any other of that kind in Buthquhan. To the
north-west side of Ellon, stands the great and stately castle of Ellon. It overlooks
the village and the river, and is the country seat of James Gordon of Ellon. A
mile eastward doun the river, is the castle of Wattertoun, the dwelling place of
Thomas Forbes of Watertoun. Here is a good salmon fishing, belonging to the
laird of Ellon. Three miles to the north of Ellon, stands the manner of Dudwick,
one of the dwelling houses of John Fullertoun of Dudwick.

DESCRIPTION or THE PAROCH OF ELLON. *

The church of Ellon, supposed to be dedicat to the Blessed Virgin, is the presby-
trie seat, standing in the town, and upon the river of Ithan. Watertoun stands
on the same north side of the river, a short mile below the toun, to the east ; the
house of Fechill, on the south side of Ithan, to the south-east a mile ; the house
of Esselmont, on the south-west, a long mile, on the south side of Ithan. The
house of Ellon stands a litle above the toun ; Auchter Ellon, a mile north-west
from the toun ; Turnerhall, north-west from Ellon two miles ; Arnage, three miles
north-west : Dudwick, three long miles from Ellon, directly north.

Altho' there be two different places in the paroch called Kirkhill, one in Tur-
nerhall's interest, and the other in Ellon's, yet no vestige of a place of worship can
be found ; only in the land of Esselmont, on The Chapeltoune, there are the ruins
of ane chapell, but nothing remarkable about it.

In the town of Ellon there is a mortification of a school house, yeards, peits,
with fourtie merks money to the schoolmaster, all bj' the lairds of Watertoune ;
as also, twenty punds Scots by the said family of Watertoune to the poor yearly.
No remarkable thing worth the notice ; onlj' on a feild two miles west Ellone,
called the commonty of Ardlethin, betwixt Udny and Ellone, there seems to have
been a battle fought, the feild being so full of graves. But no person can give any
account of it, that ever I could speak with.

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]
' [From the same : written, apparently, about 1725.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— ELLON. 309

We have no loughs, nor much moss ; but in Dudwick lands, there are moss
and mure a great quantity : our countrey being pretty levell, no remarkable
hills.

The river of Ithan runs from west to the east, pretty straight, except some small
windings and turnings not very noticeable. It abounds with salmond, trouts, and
many other kinds of small fish. No considerable burns in the paroch but Ebrie,
that runs to this paroch from New Deer, and falls into Ithan at Kinharachi ; and
another, that runs into the same river, a litle below Eselmont, called Bronie. These
burns abound with trouts, eels, etc.

There is a passing boat at Ellon ; another, at Kinharachi ; a third, at Logie.

Preceptura Episcopi Aberdonensis ad intlucendum Franciscum Cheue in
officium celericatus parochialis ecclesie de Ellon-' (a. d. 1.547.)

Willelmus miseracione diuina Aberdonensis Episcopus ■ decano Christi-
anitatis de Formartyn / seu cuicunque alteri capellano curate vel eciam
jurato infra diocesim nostram sancfa celebranti et super presencium exe-
cutione debite requisite • Salutem cum benedictione diuina ■ Quia ad
officium clericatus parochialis ecclesie de Ellon nestre diocesis de jure
et de facte per mortem Patricij Chene / illius ultimi clerici et pessessoris /
vacans ■ ad nominacionem seu electionem parochianorum dicte parochialis
ecclesie de Ellon • nostramque confirmacionem erdinariam plene jure
spectans ■ dilectum nostrum Franciscum Chene / fratrem germanum dicti
quondam Patricij / clericum nostre Aberdonensis diocesis liabilem et
idoneum repertum • prout nobis per dicte parochialis ecclesie de Ellon pa-
rochianos aut eorum majorem et saniorem partem per suas patentes literas
pergamene scriptas sub forma instrumenti Domini Willelmi Proctour pres-
byteri nostre diocesis ac notarij publici / de data dierum decimi tertij et
decimi quarti mensis Octobris anni Domini millesimi quingentesimi qua-
dragesimi septimi / presentatum neminatum et electum • admisimus et rece-
pimus • eundemque Franciscum ad idem clericatus officium admittimus re-
cipiraus et authoritate nostra prefata confirmamus • Vobis igitur et ves-
trum cuilibet / in virtute sancte obediencie et sub pena suspensionis a
diuinis / stricte precipimus et mandamus quatenus dictum Franciscum
Chene \ vel pro eo procuratorem suum legitimum / in realem actualem et
corporalem possessionem dicti officii clericatus de Ellon / juriumque et perti-

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.]
•2 R

310 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

nenciarum ejusdem / per tradicionem et deliberacionem amphore aque bene-
dicte et aspersorij inducatis et instituatis • \_etc.'] Et vos qui presentes executi
fueritis in signum vestre realis actualis et corporalis executionis sigilluiii
vestrum in secunda cauda post nostrum appendatis / aut alias per notarium
publicum sub forma instrumenti notificari facialis / apud eundum institu-
tum pro perpetuo remanere • In quorum omnium et singulorum fidem et
testimonium premissorum has presentes nostra confirmacionis ordinarie
literas fieri / et sigillo nostro rotundo sigillari causauimus et fecimus • Apud
pallatium nostrum Aberdonensis Diocesis • die quarto mensis Octobris /
anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo septimo ■ Indictione
sexta • pontificatus sanctissimi in Christo patris et domini nostri Do-
mini Pauli diuina prouidencia pape tercii anno decimo tercio • horam
circiter quintara post meridiem • Presentibus venerabilibus et discretis viris
Magistris Alexandre Galloway a Kynkell / Jacobo Wawane de Oyne /
nostre catbedralis ecclesie canonicis ■ Thoma Menzies de Pitfodellis •
domino David Harvy • et secretario nostro subscripto •

Et ego Andreas Lesslie artium magister presbyter Aberdonensis diocesis
publicus authoritate apostolica notarius \_etc.']

Inquisicio facta super terris ecclesiasticis de Elon • ' (a. d. 1387.)
Memorandum quod anno Domini • m" • ccc" • Ixxx • vij° • coram reuer-
endo patre in Christo domino Waltero Dei gracia Episcopo Sancti
Andrea / apud ecclesiam parochialem de Elon facta fuit diligens inqui-
sicio per probos et fideles patrie super sequentibus • Qui jurati deposuerunt
quod terre ecclesiastice de Elon • que dicuntur le Scologlandis • se extendunt
annuatim ad ■ xv • libras ■ xiii ■ solidos • iv ■ danarios Sterlingorum et
antiquitus valuerunt • xx • libras • Et de eisdem terris debentur domino
Episcopo Sancti Andree • domino superiori earundem • annuatim • xvi ■
solidi • Item quod ipse dominus Episcopus balliuos in illis terris pro suo libito
statuet qui curias in eisdem tenebunt • Et ad illas curias omnes inhabitantes
ipsas comparere tenentur ■ et in eisdem placita sua prosequi et defenders /
judicium subire ■ et alia facere que de jure et consuetudine eis necassa-
ria fuerint et opportuna ■ Item quod heres cujuslibet Scologi defuncti
intrare consuevit hereditatem suam per balliuum dictarum terrarum sine
alia litera inquisicionis domini superioris • Attamen in presentia depo-

1 [From a copy in the charter room at Siaines.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— ELLON. 311

nentium eorundem post depositionem inquisicionis / Domina Anabella de
Ledale una tenencium predictarum terrarum ibidem personaliter existens •
asserebat se intrasse terrain suam quam in terris predictis per literam in-
quisicionis / et dedisse bouem sasine / secundum morem patrie / quern
vero bouem quidara ibidem presens dixit se recipisse • Et prefatus doniinus
Episcopus protestatus est quod ipse fuit tunc in possessione illius • videli-
cet • quod beres cuiuslibet Scolgi per iuquisicionem et sasinam exinde secu-
turam per morem et communem consuetudinem • item quod quarta pars
terrarum predictarum que fuerunt quondam Meggot filij quondam Dauid •
jacet in manu Episcopi in defectu presentacionis heredis • que terre recog-
nite fuerunt in manibus Episcopi Sancti Andree ultimo defuncti / per
quatuor annos lapsos ac anno preterito / ac etiam recognite fuerunt in
manibus Episcopi moderni supradicti • Item de terris predictis inueniuntur
quatuor clerici in ecclesia parocbiali de Elon cum capis et surplicijs qui
scirent sufficienter legere et cantare • Item quarta pars de Ester Elon
tenetur inuenire domum pro scolaribus apud Elon ■ Item quarta pars de
Candallan tenetur inuenire super lie Park coram magno altari ■ xxiiii •
candelas de cera / et has bis in anno tenetur renouare • Item terre de
Ferley predicte tenentur inuenire fabrinam apud Elon •

Extractum de Magno Registro archiepiscopatus Sancti Andree / per me
Magistrum Alexandrum Forrest •

Litera Alexandri Cumyn comitis de Buchan • ' (ad. 1265.)

Omnibus hoc scriptum visuris uel audituris • Alexander Cumyn de Buchan ■
Salutem in Domino sempeternam ■ Noueritis nos recepisse ad firmam a
uenerabili uiro • Gamelino Episcopo Sancti Andree • terram suam de Elon
in Buchan ■ quam Scoloci de Elon tenent ■ Habendam et tenendam nobis
et duobus heredibus nostris de nobis procreatis • in tota uita nostra • de
eodem domino Episcopo • et successoribus suis ■ integre • libere • et quiete •
sicut ipse eandem terram tenet • et antecessores sui eam prius tenuerunt ■
Et nos et predicti heredes nostri reddemus eidem Episcopo et successoribus
suis annuatim pro eadem terra • duas marcas argenti • medietatem ad
Festum Sancti Martini in hyeme • et aliam medietatem ad Pentecosten ■
Et faciemus forensicum seruicium quantum pertinet ad eandem terram •
erimusque fideles Episcopo et ecclesie Sancti Andree • et bonum eorum

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.]

312 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

tanquam eorum fideles procurabimus ■ Uolumus eciam et concedimus pro
nobis et heredibus nostris uniuersis • ut cum de nobis et duobus heredibus
nostris predictis humaniter contigerit • dicta terra de Elon per rectas
diuisas suas • sicut Scoloci earn nunc tenent • et cum omnibus pertinenciis
suis ad Episcopum Sancti Andree qui pro tempore fuerit ■ et ad ecclesiam
Sancti Andree • integre sine contradiccione et reclamacione alicuius
heredis nostri • reuertatur • Et tunc liceat eidem Episcopo • absque
aliqua lite uel calumpnia ingredi auctoritate propria dictam terram tanquam
suam propriara et earn plene et pacifice possidere • In cuius rei testi-
monium sigillum nostrum apponi fecimus huic scripto • Acta apud
Tynynham • iij° • Idus Octobris • Anno gracie • m° • cc° • Sexagesi-
mo Quinto •

Extractura de Magno Registro archiepiscopatus Sancti Andree / per me
Magistrum Alexandrura Forrest ■

Excerpta ex J. Ferrerii Historia Abbatum de Kynlos.'

Rex Robertus Bruis semper invictissimus contulit Monasterio a Kynlos ec-
clesiam ab Ellone, anno regni sui quarto, boc est m.ccc.x., sub Episcopo
Aberdonensi Henrico Chiene.

[m.d M.D. XXVIII.] Erat etiam turn temporis Aberdoniarium vicecomes,

1 [Pp. 27, 68, 72, 76, 78. In an appendix to the same volume, (pp. 91—96) of " the
haill rentall of the Abbay of Kynlos," (a. d. 1574) the following entries occur :

" In the first, the personage and the kirk of Allane, cxtendis in teind siluer, and gewis
yeirlie, jc xxxv lib. v sol. Item the samyn kirk gewis in victuall yeirlie, all meill, xxxiij
ehald. j. bol."

" Thir ar the thingis that ar to be deducit of the money and victuallis abone specifiet,
payit as eftir fv)llowis

Item, of the Chapel croft of Vdnie, quhilk is ane parte of the Kirk of Allane abone spe-
cifiet, the Lard of Vdnie refusis, lik as he has refusit this mony yeiris bygane, of the teind
silver of the said croft, quhilk is put in the rentale of the auld, extending yeirlie to
ivj lib.

Item, for the Prebendar and Stallaris pensioun within the Kirk Cathederall of Abir-
dene, for the Kirk of Allane, xxviij lib.

Item, to the Vicar pensionar of Allane for his yeirlie pensioun as his provision beiris
xiij lib. vj sol. viij den.

Item, to the Heidar of the Commoun Prayeris in the Kirk of Allane, xxvj lib. xiij
sol. iiij den.

Memorandum, that the vicarage of Allane wes wont to pay to me teynd buttir, teind
cheise, teind lambis, woll, and utheris dewities, quhilk payis nathing in thir dayis.

W. Abbot of Kniloss."]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— ELLON. 318

(utaiunt,) Alexander Banarman, qui Abbati [Thomae Crystallo] deagroec-
clesiae ab EUone negotiuiii facesseret. Cum illo tres annos totos litigatum
est ; postremo tamen i\bbati victoria cessit.

Anno praeterea Domini millesimo quingentesimo tricesimo secundo, acre
maxirao apud suara ecclesiara ab Ellone magnificam et amplissimam ab ipsis
fundamentis domum erexit, quam postea imbricamentis etiam ligneis voluit
contectam. Ipsi teraplo ab Ellone multa addidit necessaria, ut in tecto et
pavimento redintegrando ; nonnulla ad ornamentum, de quibus infra scri-
bimus.

Nee minus accuratus fuit in ornanda ecclesia sua ab Ellone, cui parent
tabulam pictoria et statuaria arte deauratam cum ilia Beatae Matris et Vir_
ginis apud Kynlos de qua paulo ante sumus locuti, contulit. Restituit quo-
que illic majus altare tabulate ubi et divae Annae statuam erexit ; paravitque
nova in choro subsellia ; et vestes ad rem sacram faciendam tres, casulam
videlicet ex bysso palmata, duas dalmaticas, cum albis et id genus reli-
quis, liberalissirae coemptas, tradidit.

Sunt et salmonum piscationes in aquis ab Ithane, proxime ad illas aedes
quas paulo ante commemoraviraus recenter in Ellone structas, domino a
Finlater addictae ; eas Thomas Abbas, grandi annumerata pecunia, in no-
vendecem annos futures conduxit. Initium hujusce rei fuit anno m.d.xxxii.

Letteris of bailyeary of Lethnocht and EUone.' (a. d. 1.559.)

Be it kend till all men by tliir present letteris / We Walter Abbot of
Kynloss to have made constitute and ordanit [etc.^ honourabil menn
Patrick Cheyne of Essilmonth knycht / Thomas Cheyne his sonne and ap-
perand heire / and thair heiris coniunctly and seuerally oure verry lauch-
full and undoutit baillyes of all and haill our landis of our regality of
Lethnocht and Ellone with thair pertinentis ■ GifFand grantand and cora-
mittand to our said baillyes / and ilk ane of thame / and to thair heiris /
oure verry lauchfull and undoutit powar express mandament bidding and
chairge baillye courtis within the said landis and regality to proclaime / sett
aflfixe and haulde / at daye and dayis as thay sal plese • memberis of courte
to creat mak and causse be suorne / faltis and crimis to punisch / also es-
chetis and outlayis to uptak and inbring / the men dwallaris and inhabi-
teris within our landis regalities or any pairt therof l befor whatsumeuer

' [From a copy in the charter chest at Slaines.]

314 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

juge or jugis conuenit arrestit or persuit / spirituall or temporall / to our
said court of regalities the same to replage / collorathe to finde / and gener-
ally al and sundry other thingis our said baillyes thair heiris or ony ane of
thair sedis in the premisses to haud do wiss and exerss / that to the office
of bailyary pertenis or lauchfully may pertein be the law wss or consuetud
of the realme • Hauldand and to hauld firme and stabill all and whatsumeuer
thingis by our saidis baillyes their ayris or any one of their sedis in the
premissis to be done under the pain of all our gudis mouabill and iramo-
uabill present and to cum • In witnes of the whilk to thir oure letteris of
baillyeary subscriuit with our hand / oure signet is affixit att Kinloss the
seuenteen day of Junij the yer of God ane thousand five hundred fifty and
nine yeris / and thir letteris of baillyeary til endur for the space of fine
yeris nixt eftir the dait herof and fwrthir induring oure willis and oure
successouris / Befor thir witnes Thome Forrett of That Ilk / Alexander
Bannirman of Wattertoun / Mr Edward Bruce of Easter Kennett / Mr
Thomas Denastoun / with utheris sundrie /

Walter Abbot of Kinloss •

Anent the Constabil deput. ' (a. d. 1483.)

In the court haldin in the tolbuthe of Abirdene be Alexander Rede ane of
the baillies of the samen the xxvij dai of Nouember yer • m • iiij*^ • Ixxxiiij •
William Kimpty Constabil of Abirdene comperand in jugement has made
constitut and ordanit Alexander of Chavmer serjand / be the deliuering of
a wand / his deput and substitut to minister in the said office of Consta-
bulary for a yer next tocum like as he suld do in propir persoune.

Inquisicio Willelmi Kynidy Constabularii de Abirden • - (a. d. 1508.)

Inquisicio facta apud burgum de Abirdene vndecimo die mensis Januarij
anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo septimo coram honorabili viro Alex-
andro Bannirman de Waterton vicecomitis deputato de Abirdene in pre-
torio burgi de Abirdene in curia capitali [vicecomitatus] de Abirdene pro
tribunali sedente per subscriptos videlicet Willelmum Frasser de Phillorth
militem Johannem Forbes de Petslego Georgeum Gordone de Mydmar
Dauid Menzeis de Petfodellis Gilbertum Menzeis prepositum de Abirdene

' [From the Aberdeen City Council Register, vol. vi., p. 889.]

-' [From the Libri Actorura Curiae Vicecomitatus de Aberdeen, vol. i., MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON—ELLON. 315

Walterum Berclay de Towy Willelmum Craufurd de Fedray Willelmum
Turing de Fouern Alexandrum Caldour de Sonnabard Henricuin Forbes
de Kynnellour Thomam Frasser de Stanewod Patricium Steuart de La-
theris Johannem Ross de Aucblossin Willelmum Blakhall de Barrauch de
Bourty et Johannem Dumbrek de eodem Qui jurati dicunt quod quontlam
Willelmus Kynidy Constabilarius dicti burgi de Abirdene pater Willelmi
Kynidy latoris presencium obijt vltimo vestitus [etc.'] de piscariis dimidii
rethis de Raik cum pertinentiis super aquam de Dee Et quod dictus Wil-
lelmus [etc.] Et quod dicte piscarie cum pertinentiis valent nunc per annum
decem libras Et valuerunt quinque libras tempore pacis Et quod tenentur
in capite [etc.] Et nunc existunt in manibus Suppremi Domini nostri
Regis [etc.] per spacium vndecim annorum aut eocirca etc.

Relicta Willelmi Kynidy Constabilarii de x\birdeu.' (a. d. 1509.)

Inquisicio facta apud burgum de Aberdene secundo die mensis Octobris
anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo nono coram honorabili viro Alexandro
Bannerman de Watertoun vicecomitis deputato de Abirdene in pretorio
burgi de Abirdene in curia capital! pro tribunal! sedente per subscriptos
videlicet Georgium Meldrum de Fyvy Johannem Forbes de Petslego Wil-
lelmum Hay de Ury Walterum Berclay de Towy Johannem Movat de
Lescragy Willelmum Turing de Foverne Johannem Skene de Ouchtirarne
Thomam Frasser de Stanywod Willelmum Johneston de eodem Johannem
Pantone de Petmethane Alexandrum Caldoure de Sonnaherd Robertum
Gordone de Wthan Johannem Forbes de Echt Johannem Troup de Como-
legy Patricium Steuart de Letheris Andream Tulidef de eodem Alexan-
drum Mortymer de Cragyuer et Johannem Dunbrek de eodem Qui
jurati dicunt quod Isabella Rait relicta quondam Willelmi Kynidy Consta-
bilarii de Aberdene tenetur habere racionabilem terciam duarum partiuvn
terrarum de Carmuk de quibus dictus quondam Willelmus obiit vltimo ves-
titus et sasitus vt de feodo ad pacem et fidem Domini nostri Regis etc. Et
terrarum de Clayhillis excepta sexta parte earundem pertinente domino
de Fyvie hereditarie Et racionabilem terciam de Knokuithy cum suis per-
tinentiis Et quod dicta Isabella contigit habere dictam suam terciam in
vmbrali parte dictarum terrarum.

' [From the Libri Actoriim Curiae Viceeomttatus de Aberdeen, vol. i., MS. i

316 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Carta Willelmi Marescalle • ' (a. d. 1377.)

Robertus ■ Dei gracia Rex Scottorum / Omnibus letc.'\ Sciatis nos
dedisse [etc.'] dilecto consanguineo nostro Willelmo Marescalle filio Mal-
colmi Marescalle omnes terras tenementi de Essilmonthe et tenementi de
Arnynche raaioris cum pertinenciis • in Buchania infra vicecomitatum de
Abirdene • que fuerunt dicti Malcolmi et quas idem Malcolmus non vi aut
metu ductus [etc.'] nobis [etc.] sursura reddidit [etc.] Tenendas et liabendas
eidem Willelmo et heredibus suis de corpore suo legitime procreandis qui-
bus forsan deficientibus predicto Malcolmo et heredibus suis quibuscunque
[etc.] Faciendo inde seruicia debita et consueta ■ In cuius rei testimo-
nium presenti carte nostre nostrum precepimus apponi sigillum Testibus
venerabili in Christo patre Willelmo episcopo Sanctiandree ■ Johanne pri-
mogenito nostro de Carrie senescallo Scocie • Roberto de FyfFe et Men-
tethe filio nostro dilecto • Willelmo de Douglas / comitibus • magistro
Johanne de Peblys archidiacono Sancti Andree cancellario nostro ■ Jacobo
de Lyndesay nepote nostro et Alexandre de Lyndesay militibus • Apud
Kyndrocht • xxvj'° • die mensis Augusti • Anno regni nostri • Septimo •

Declaracio Afl'rice dicte Mareschale -^ (a. d. 1378.)

Vniuersis presentes literas inspecturis ■ Affrica dicta Mareschale filia quon-
dam domini Malcolmi Mareschale militis Salutem eternam in Domino
Licet alias inconsulte ius hereditarie successionis ven[dicarem] in terris de
Essilmonthe cum pertinenciis in Buchania infra vicecomitatum de Aberdene
que terre cum pertinenciis fuerunt quondam domini Malcolmi Mareschale
patris mei predicti / e[t in] eisdem terris cum pertinenciis Malcolmus
Mareschale frater meus et Willelmus Mareschale filius eius nepos meus
hereditarie nunc succedunt • credens protunc / nullum alium me • in dicta
hereditaria successione • ad easdem terras cum pertinenciis aliqualiter an-
tecedere debere vel preesse aut in dictis terris cum pertinenciis forcius ius
habere vllo modo / Nunc tamen in mea legitima viduitate per bonas eui-
dencias instructa et proborum hominum fidedignorum per relaciones pariter
et attestaciones / qui huiusmodi ius successionis satis se credunt agnoscere /

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines, collated with another in the Registrvni
Magni Sigilli, p. 148. In a roll of lost charters by King Robert I. is " Carta Malcolmo
Mariscallo, of Meikle Arveninche." Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 2.]

2 [From the original in the charter room at Slaines.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— ELLON. 317

veraciter didici et fideliter recognoui / quod in dictis terris cum perti-
nenciis • aut in hereditaria successione ad easdem / michi nullum ius com-
petit nee competere possit vllo modo set predicto Malcolmo fratri meo et
Willelmo prefato filio suo nepoti meo / qui diclo domino Malcolmo patri
meo in eisdem terris cum pertinenciis • iuste succedunt et succedere debent
pleno iure • Quorum Malcolmi fratris mei et Willelmi filij sui nepotis mei
hereditariam successionem sibi bono titulo adeptam / pro me et lieredibus
meis predictis Malcolmo fratri meo Willelmo filio suo • et ipsorum here-
dibus et assignatis aut vnius ipsorum heredibus et assignatis / non vi coacta
nee dolo inducta set mea spontanea voluntate et in libera mea viduitate vt
supra ■ coram Deo et hominibus imperpetuum approbo ratifico et confirmo
per presentes ■ Ita quod nee ego AfFrica predicta nee aliquis heredum vel
successorum meorum aut aliorum quorumcunque nomine vel ex parte mea /
aliquod ius vel iuris clameum in ipsis terris cum pertinenciis decetero possim
vel possit vendicare / Promittens bona fide sub iuramento corporali per me
prestito et sub ypotheca et obligacione omnium bonorum meorum et meorum
heredum quorumcunque mobdium et immobilium presencium et futurorum •

me • nuUo tempore presenti vel future publice vel

contra dictum Malcolmum aut Willelmum filium aut ipsorum heredes vel
assignatos • in dicto iure hereditarie successionis ad dictas terras cum per-
tinenciis • aliquid dicere contraire vel attemptare • set pocius suam heredi-
tariam successionem seruare et defendere ac stare perenniter ac pro perpetuo
roboris habere firmitatem ■ In cuius rei testimonium presentibus sigillum
meum est appensum ■ Et pro maiori veritatis testimonio sigilla excellentis
et potentis domini Domini Johannis primogeniti excellentissimi Principis et
domini nostri Domini Roberti Regis Scottorum illustris • domini Willelmi de
Kethe marescalli Scocie • et domini Alexandri Frasser vicecomitis de Aber-
dene militum presentibus apponi instancia requisiui ■ Apud Aberdene in festo
Beati Bartholomei Apostoli Anno Domini m° ccc° Septuagesimo octauo •

The Kingis licens for the Tour of Essilmont • ' (a. d. 1500.)

James be the grace of God King of Scottis [etc.'] greiting • Wit ye that
for the fauoris we haue to our louite squiare Johnne Chene of Esselmond
and for his guid seruice done to us diuerss tymes / To haue geuin [etc.'] to
the sade Johnne and his airis / our speciale license and fredome to big apoun
his landis of Essilmond a toure and fortalice quhair he or thai thinkis mayst

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.]

318 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

expedient / and to raiss the samyn to quhat hicht thai empleissis / And
thairuppoun to mak bertasing battaling machevling irne yettis portculais
(Iraubriggis fowssis and all other defens and strenchtis as thai think mayst
ganyng and conuenient thairto / And for the keiping thairof to haue watch-
men garitouris portaris jevillouris and all vthir officiaris neidfuU \_etc.']
Geuin under our priuie selle at Edenburghe the tuenty seuint day of JuUj
the yeir of God j" fine hundreth yeiris and of our regnne the thretene
yeir • Per signaturam manu supremi Domini nostri Regis subscriptam •

Acquittaunce be Schyr Walter Scot of Branxom for the ransonme of
the lard of Essilmont • ' (a. d. 1548.)

I Walter Scot of Branxura knycht grantis me to haue resaued fra ane
honorabil mann Schyr Patrik Chene of Esselmont knycht the soume of aucht
score of Inglis nobilis / for quhilk I wes bundin and obleist to content and
pay to Thomas Daker of Lynardeost knycht Inglisman / taker of the sade
Schyr Patrik at the feild of Inuerask'' for his ransonme / of the quhilk soume
forsade I bald me weill contentit and payit \_etc.'] In witnes whaii'of I haue
subscrivit thir my letres of acquittaunce vith my hande At Edenburgh the
secund day of Merche the yeir j™ ■ V^ ■ fourty seuin yeiris / befor thir
witnes Alexander French Schyr John Greinlaw Maister Peter Gaweot
and Robert Donaldsoune vith vtheris diuerss •'

Carta Villelmi de Melgdrume • " (a. d. 1345.)

Uniuersis sancte matris ecclesie filiis / hoc scriptum visuris vel audi-
turis • Frater Alexander de Seton dominus eiusdem miles / custos elemo-
sinarie domus Sancti Johannis Jerosolomitani de Torfechyn infra regnum
Scocie / Salutem in Domino • Quia per guerrarum discrimina in dicto regno
habita / Valterus dictus Gretheued burgensis de Abirden dudum tenens
noster in feodo et hereditate / de tota terra de Oychtyrelon cum pertinenciis
in Bughania • ita maxime depaupertatus quod propter suam releuacionem
et vite sue sustentacionem / maxima ipsum compellente necessitate /

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.]

2 [The field of Pinkie, stricken on the tenth day of September, 1547.]

* [" Subscribed by marks," according to a note of the copyist. In the year 1525,
neither Adam Gordon, (brother of the Earl of Huntly,) nor his wife, Elizabeth, Countess
of Sutherland, could write their own names. See Lord Hailes' Additional Sutherland
Case, p. 14.]

* [From the original in the charter room at Fyvie.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— ELLON. 319

cum consensu nostro totam dictam terram cum pertinenciis / concessit /
et plenarieque precise vendidit / a se et heredibus suis in perpetuum •
Villelmo de Melgdrume filio quondam Johannis de Melgdrume domini eius-
dem / et heredibus suis ac suis assignatis • Saluo feodo annuo / nobis et
successoribus nostris inde debito • et per dictum Villelmum heredes suos et
sues assignatos annuatim reddendo / Et quod vidimus et perpendimus
utilitatem nostram fore maiorem / ad habendum predictum Villelmum de
dicta terra tenentem nostrum / quam dictum Valterum / Nouerit uniuer-
sitas vestra nos approbasse [efc] confirmasse • predicto Villelmo [efc.]
illam concessionem [e<e.] prout carta prefati Valteri dicto Villelmo inde
confecta / in se plenius proportat et testatur / Reddendo [etc.'] duodecim
solidos sterlingorum tantummodo • ad festura Natiuitatis Beati Johannis
Baptiste [etc.'] / Et faciendo [etc.] fidelitatem ut moris est / et tres sectas
ad tres curias nostras capitales apud Lytill Verthyll in la Garuyach • Sol-
uendo / [etc.] tantum pro obitu suo / quantum dictus Valterus nobis et
successoribus nostris / si tenens noster perseuerasset • pro obitu suo sol-
uisse debuit [etc.] i In cuius rei testimonium / presenti scripto nostro si-
gillum nostrum est appensum ■ Actum est et datum apud Abirden die
Lune proximo post festum Beate Marie Virginis • anno • Domini • mil-
lesimo • trescentesimo • quadragesimo • Quinto /

Carta Comitis Craufurdie ■ ' (a. d. 1507.)

Jacobus etc ■ Sciatis nos dedisse [etc.] dilecto consanguineo et consiliario
nostro Johanni Comiti Craufurd • Omnes et singulas terras et baroniam
de Uchterallane / New Park de Kelli / Tullibralloch et Tulynahilt / cum
suis pertinentiis • jacentes infra vicecomitatum nostrum de Aberdein • Que-
quidem terre [etc.] prefato Johanni Comiti Craufurd tanquam domino
immediate tenenti earum prius pertinebant et in manibus nostris recoo--
nite et forisfacte fuerunt ob alienacionem majoris partis earundem sine
consensu licencia aut confirmacione nostri aut antecessorum nostrorum
[etc.] Et quas omnes et singulas predictas terras [etc.] creavimus [etc.]
in unam integram et liberam baroniam perpetuis futuris temporibus nun-
cupandam baroniam de Uchteralloun ■ Tenendas [etc.] Reddendo [etc.]
servitium debitum et consuetum / videlicet / wardam et relevium dicta-
rum terrarum et baronie cum pertinenciis / et maritagium cum contigerit /
necnon unam sectam ad quodlibet placitum trium placitorum capitalium

' [From the Earl of Haddington's Collection of Charters, vol. i., p 415, MS.]

320

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

curie vicecomitatus nostri de Aberdene [e<e.] • In cujus rei testimonium
presenti carte nostre magnum sigillum nostrum apponi precepimus • Testl-
bus \_etc.'] apud Edinburgura xxx die Julij anno Domini millesimo quin-
gentesimo septimo / et regni nostri vicesimo ■ ]

METHLICK.

ETHLICK hath for its tutelar Saint Devinic. *
The patronage belongeth to the King's College,
and the Earl of Aberdeen, alternately. It has
two silver chalices. '

at Chappelton, belonging

formerly to the Grays of Shivess.
Saint Ninian's, at Annit.-

Chappels.

* Registrura Chartarum. [See above, pp. 267, 268, for the history of Saint Devinic.
" S. Denick's fair at Methlic, 2 Tuesday of November," appears in a list of fairs in Jolin
Forbes' " Aberdeen's New Prognostication for 1703."]

' [Dr. Alexander Anderson, the last rector of Methlic and principal of the King's
College, before the reformation, together with certain of his colleagues in the church and
university of Aberdeen, held a public disputation, at Edinburgh, in January, 1561, against
Mr. John Knox, and other teachers of the reformed doctrines. Lesly, afterwards Bishop of
Ross, one of the disputants, writes, " post rationem tidei a singulis redditam, et constan-
tissimam catholicae religionis professionem factam, tandem de eucharistiae, sacrificiique al-
taris veritate et ritibus, Alexander Andersonus tarn docte, constanter, et pie respondit,
ut catholicos confirmarit, ac haereticos ita perculerit, ut post id tempus, de gravioribus
religionis niysterijs cum illo, aut quovis alio catholico, nunquani sectarii in pulverem
voluerint descendere." (De Rebus Gestis Scotorum, lib. x., p. 530.) A summary of
the arguments advanced by Dr. Anderson will be found in G. (Jonaei De Dvplici Statv
Religionis apvd Scotos, lib. ii., pp. 131 — 133. See also T. Dempsteri Historia Eccles-
iastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., p. 49; t. ii., pp. 484, 597; and, on the other side,
Knox's Historic of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland, pp. 287, 288 ;
Wodrow's Biographical Collections, vol. i., p. 25. " Alexander Andersonus, ultimi Col-
legii Regii Principalis ante instauratam religionera, cum plebs Merniensis ecclesiani cathe-
dralem Aberdonensem tecto plumbeo spoliatam diripuisset, et continuo ad templum CoUegii
Regii, reliquasque aedes Musis sacratas diripiendas devolaret, forti manu vim vi repellere
nititur ; audacem fortuna juvante, integra et intacta hue vsque manent augusta Musarum
tecta." (Joannis Ker Donaides, p. 17. See also A. Strachani Panegyricvs Inavgvralis in
Benefactores Academiae Aberdonensis, p. 27.) Dr. Anderson was ejected from his place in
the university in July, 1569. (Wodrow's Biogr. Collect., vol. i., pp. 22, 25.) He died
on the twenty-third of January, 1577. (The Spalding Club Miscellany, vol. ii., p. 44.)]

'^ [Annit or Andat was long the seat of a family of the name of Winton. " Charter

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— METHLIC. 321

Kelly. Here is said to have been, of old, one of the seats of Mann
Cummin, Earl of Buchan. Here is now a castle, begun, in the
last age, by two of the lairds of Haddo,' but never finished ; and

quliairby Malcolm Drummond of Megour comprises fra Alexander Winton of Andate for
the sum of ane hundred merks the said lands of Andate in Aberdeenshire, being a five
merk land, waird : with licence to redeem infra septem annos. Edinb. 7 Nov. 1511."
(Scotstarvet's Abreviats of Charters, p. 495. MS. in the library at Skene House.) By
his charter, dated at Edinburgh on the twenty-ninth of August, 1511, James Redheuch
of Tullycheddel granted to the King's College the four merk lands of Culliny and the one
merk land of Andate. (Writs of King's College and University.) These lands had been
apprised before July, 1509, from Alexander Wyntoun of Andate, " pro summa sexaginta sex
librarum duodecim solidorum et nouem denariorum." (Id.) On the seventh of October,
1457, " Ingeramus de Wenton de Andat," appears as a witness in the disputed succession to
the Earldom of Mar, offering to su])port his testimony by wager of battle ; " et addit
quod bene auderet exponere jiersonam suam in duello cum quocunque contrarium asserente."
(Original writ in the General Register House at Edinburgh.) On the twenty-second of
November, 1417, " Dauid de Wynton dominus de Handot," appears in an assize of per-
ambulation between the lands of Tarves and Udny. (Registrum Recentius Cenobii de
Aberbrothoc, MS.)]

I [On the eleventh of July 1476, " in theactioun and causs persewit 'dc Andro Graye of
Scheves aganis Patrik of Gordone sone and are to vmquhile James of Gordone i anent the
soume of \'f merkis aucht to the said Androw be vmquhile the said James \etc.~\ The
lordis auditouris ripely avisit decretis deliueris and ordanis ' that the said Patrik sail con-
tent and paye the said soume of iji^ merkis to the said Androw And that lettres be writtin
to distrenye him his landis and gudis thairfor And anent vthir gudis and causs contenit in
the summondis tueching the landis of Scheves / the lordis auditouris referris that mater to
the juge ordinar lyke as the lordis of consall did of before." (Acta Dominorum Auditorum,
p. 48 ; Robertson's Parliamentary Records, p. 207. ) On the ninth of December, 1494, " the
lordis auditouris assignis to Patrik Gordoune of Mathlek the ix day of Marcho nixt tocum
with continuatioun of dais to preif sufficiently that he has pait to vmquhile Androw Gray
of Scheues xxiiij merkis yerely of four yeris bigain of the males of the landis of Scheuez
clamit one him be Androw Lord Gray executour to the said vmquhile Androw." (Acta
Dominorum Auditorum, p. 194; Robertson's Parliamentary Records, p. 442.) On the
twenty fifth of January 1493, " in presens of the lordis of consale it is appointtit and
concordit betuix Andro Lord Gray for himself and for his tennentis on the taparte and
.\lexander Lord Gordoune as procuratour for Patrik Berclay of Grantuly and Walter
Berclay of Telle for thaimself and for William Erie MerschoU Alexander Setoun of Mel-
drum Patrick Lesle of Balquhan Alexander Johncstoune of That like Patrick Gordoune
of Haldauch Thomas Gordone of Kennarty Walter Innes of Inuermerky Alexander Innes
of That like Duncane Dauidsone of Auchinhamper James King of Barrache and Arthur
Forbess of Rerass on the tother parte In maner and forme as eftir folowis that is to say the
saidis Patrik Berclay and Walter Berclay sail content and pay to the said Andro Lord

322 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

in the low buildings, hard by it, their representative the Earl of
Aberdeen lives.

Inverebrey, (so called because situated near the fall of the
brook Ebrey into Ythan,) lately possessed by Gordon of Invere-
brey, and now by the Earl of Aberdeen.

AucHiNCRUVE belongs to Tarves, though annexed to Methlick,
and stands on the Buchan, or north, side of Ythan. 'Tis but a
farm ; yet here was Dr. George Cheyne, ' the famous physician at
Bath, born." He is descended of the Cheynes of Essilmont ;' and
his writings are well known.

[Carta Alexandri Coinitis de Buchan de diniidia marca de Park de Kel-
lyn • •• (a. d. 1287.)

Omnibus hoc scriptum uisuris uel audituris • Alexander Cummin Comes
de Buchan Constabularius Scocie • Salutem in Domino sempiternam •

Gray the soume of j<^ merkis vsuale money of Scotland at the fest of Sanct Johne the
Baptist callit Midsvmer nixt tocum and ane vthir j'^ merkis at the lattir Marymes nixt thair-
efter / in compleit assithment for all and sindrj the gudis cornez cattale somez of money
dampnage scaithis and spuilyeis committit be the saidis persons or ony of thair complicis
being in thair company apone the tenentis of Leitfee Bardmonye Abirbothre and Lit-
tilour [etc.'] (Acta Dominorum Concilii. p. 266.)

" Charter of confirmation be William Sinclair baron of Newburgh with consent of Chris-
tian Leslie his spouse to Patrick Gordon of Methlick of the lands of Auhadlie with the per-
tinents in Aberdeenshire ; with a part of the fishing in the water of Ithane belonging
thairto, and of the supperiority of ane annual rent of ane hundred shillings dew to the Lord
Forbes yearly furth thairof : waird of the King; Edinburgh, 20 Jully, 1487." (Scot-
starvet's Abreviats of Charters, pp. 335, 336. MS.)]

' [Born in 1671, died at Bath in 1742. A memoir of his hfe and writings will be found
in the Biographia Britannica, vol. iii., pp. 494 — 499. Lond. 1784. fol. See also Biogra-
phic Universelle, t. viii., pp. 369, 370. Paris, 1813. His works have been praised by Dr.
Johnson. See Boswell's Life of Johnson, vol. ii., p. 384, vol. iii., pp. 391, 392. Mr.
Croker's edit. Lond. 1831. 8vo.]

^ [Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. iv., p. 323. Edinb. 1792. The writer adds,
" Dr. Charles Maitland was also born and buried here. He was the first who introduced
inoculation into Britain, and was sent to Hanover by King George II. to inoculate Fre-
derick Prince of Wales."]

' [Nisbet's Heraldry, vol. i., p. 4!21.]

< [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS. See above, pp. 200, 319.
Vbe foundation charter of the Hospital of Turref, by Alexander Cumyn, Earl of Buchan, is

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— METHLIC. 323

Noueritis nos pro nobis et heredibus nostris ■ teneri ■ et obligari • relio-iosis
uiris Abbati et conuentui • de Abyrbrothoc • in una dimidia marca ar-
genti annui redditus • pro quadam particula terre sue de tenemento sue •
de Taruays • quequidem particula terre inclusa est infra parcum nos-
trum • de Kellyn • soluenda eisdem religiosis uiris singulis annis • in
festo Pentecostes • apud Taruays • primo termino solucionis incipiente •
ad Pentecosten • anno gracie • m° • cc° • octogesimo Septimo • ad in-
ueniendum duos cereos ardentes coram altare ■ Beate Marie Uirginis • in
monasterio de Abyrbrothoc • in perpetuum • quolibet die cum ibidem
diuina celebrantur • pro salute anime nostre • et anime Regis Alexandri ■
ac animabus omnium antecessorum • et successorum nostrorum • In cuius
rei testimonium huic scripto sigillum nostrum fecimus apponi • Datum •
apud Abyrbrothoc • die Ueneris proxima post festum Sancti Gregorii
Pape • anno Domini m° • cc° • octogesimo • Sexto •

Confirmacio ecclesie parochialis Beati Deuenaci de Methelak • ' (a. d.
1373.)

Itobertus etc ■ Omnibus etc ■ Sciatis nos • approbasse • etc ■ illas do-
nacionem et concessionem quas Walterus de Menteth de Pedinacalane •
fecit et concessit Deo et Beate Marie • ac • ecclesie parochiali Beati De-
uenaci de Methelak • Abirdonensis dyocesis • et vicario eiusdem eccle-
sie • de quadam pecia terre iacente • immediate iuxta aquam de Ethoyn
que vocatur le Haulche ex parte vna • et descendendo a vado riuuli de
Melok vsque ad vadum quod vocatur Cloy ex parte altera • Tenendam et
habendam Deo Beate Marie dicteque ecclesie et vicario eiusdem qui pro
tempore fuerit in liberam puram et perpetuam elemosinam [etcJ] In cuius
rei etc ■ Testibus etc ■ Apud Abreden ■ xvj'" die Junij Anno regni nostri
Tercio •

dated " apud Kelli Dominica proxima post Purilicacionem Beate Marie Virginis • anno
gracie • millesimo ■ ducentesimo ■ septuagesimo secundo • " and the King of Scots, Alex-
ander III., is enumerated among tlie witnesses present. See below, undei the jwrish o'
Turret'.]

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 99 In a roll of lost charters oi' King Robert
I. are " Carta to Maleis Menteith, of the half davache of land of iVIetheleyche, ami
sundry other lands ;" — " Carta to Maleis Monteith, of the lands of Metheleiche, the land^
of Saltcoats, in Buchan ;" — " Carta to Malisius Menteith, of the davache land of Bally -
gillachy, in vieecomitatu de Fori'ar." (Robertson' Index to the Charters, pp. 15, 16, 18.) ,

324 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Carta • Dauid de Foulertona • ' (a. d. 1376.)

Robertas Dei gracia Rex Scottorum / Omnibus etc ■ Salutem • Sciati?
nos dedisse etc ■ dilecto et fideli nostro Dauid de Fowlertona pro homagio
et seruicio suo omnes et singulas terras nostras de duabus Methlaykys cum
pertinenciis infra vicecomitatum de Aberdene que alias fuerunt in mani-
bus • Wiilelmi de Melgdrum iniuste et que ad manus nostras per determi-
nacionem fidelis assise facte in presencia nostra apud Kyncardyn • in le
Mernys die vndecirao Decembris • anno Domini millesimo ccc"" septua-
gesimo quinto per iudicium legaliter deuenerunt • Tenendas et babendas •
dicto Dauid et heredibus de corpore suo legitime procreandis quibus forte
deficientibus • Willelmo Foulertona filio eiusdem Dauid et heredibus mas-
culis de corpore suo legitime procreandis quibus forsan deticientibus •
Johanni de Foulertona filio dicti Dauid et heredibus masculis de corpore
suo legitime exeuntibus ac ipsis fortasse deficientibus • Galfrido • filio dicti
Dauid et heredibus de corpore suo legitime procreandis • Quibus vero
omnibus deticientibus • veris heredibus dicti Dauid quibuscunque [etc.'] I
Faciendo inde nobis ■ et heredibus nostris ■ tres sectas curie ad tres curias
capitales vicecomitatus nostri de Aberdene ac alia seruicia debita et con-
sueta • In cuius rei testimonium etc ■ Apud Perth ■ xviij" die Marcij anno
regni nostri Sexto •

The Raid of Kellie. ^ (a. d. 1644.)

Sir Alexander [January, 1644.] The laird Drum, schirref principal of Abirdene, is

Irving- ot charffit with letteris direct out in the King-is name, (but God kenis if thav
Drum, sheritt, ....

ischargedwith war with his Majestie's will), to charge the barronis of the schire to con-
others to take vein, and the toune of Abirdene to rais fourscoir four hors men, to go
don of Haddo. serche, seik, tak and apprehend the laird of Haddoche, or to tak his hous,

1 [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 131. King Robert II., by a charter, dated
at Edinburgh, on the sixth of February, 1383, grants " dilecto et fideli nostro Dauid de
Foulertona pro suo fideli seruicio decem libras sterlingorum annuatim et hereditarip perci-
piendas de nostris cofris per manus canierarii nostri qui pro tempore fuerit." (Id., p. 161.)
In 1386, he received from the same Prince a grant of eight pounds yearly, to be paid to
him from the King's rents of the burgh of Aberdeen, by the hands of the baillies : and the
grant was confirmed by King Robert III., in 1391. (Id., p. 194.) He was the progeni-
tor of the family of Foulerton of Aberruthven, (in the lordship of Stratherne and shire of
Perth,) which held lands in Aberdeenshire until the year 1469.]

2 [From Spalding's History of the Troubles in Scotland, vol. ii., pp. 179, 180.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— METHLIC. 325

and mell with his rentis. And so, upone the seventeinth day of Januar, He marchc?
the laird Drum merches out of Abirdene, haveing in his company the saidis ^"* °*^ ^''^'""
company of men, weill armit altogidder with suordis, pistollis, carrabins, company ;goes
and muskatis, being for the most pairt all horsraen. And at the Grein of *° Christ's

. . . • GrcGn.

Wdny, thair meites the schirref, the lairdis of Pittodrie, Monymusk, Echt, gyj,j ' i
Fedderet, Wdny, Skeyne, and divers utheris barronis. Thay go to meet him.
consultatioun, and sendis befoir thame the schirref deput, with Johne They send the
Spens, Rothesay Herald, and tua notaris, with commissioun to charge sic and y Herald
as wes within to rander the hous in the Kingis name. And the schirref 'o the Place of
follouit with his company. Conforme to the quhilk commissioun, thay went eommission ^"^
forduard, and chargit them within, being about fourtie men, to rander the
hous, being bot lauche bigging, quhairin Haddoche duelt. It wes ansuerit, It is answered.
This hous pertenit not to Haddoche, bot to his sone, to whorae he had dis-
ponit the samen. Then thay chargit thame to mak oppin yetis, quhairby
thay micht serce, seik, tak and apprehend that rebell, the laird of Had-
doche. Thay ansuerit. He wes not within ; and, for thair better assureans. The yetts
thay keist wp the yettis and durris, and sufFerit none to enter bot the ^""^ opened,
schirreff deput, Rothesay Herauld, with tua notaris. Thay maid a They search
bussines in serching the houssis ; bot, missing him, thay took instrumentis in ^"^ ^^^^ '"''
the notaris handis upone thair diligens. Thairefter thay drank kyndlie, find him not.
and pairtit in peace ; and cam to the schirref and his complices, standing
hard besyde, and told what they had done.

In the mein tyme, thair wes schot fra the Place of Kelly, hard at thair Shots shot

heilles, ten or tuelf hagbutis of found : quhilk flevit all thir people, and !t?" ^''^^y-
. 1 he people

scatterit thame so, that ilk man took the get, returning home, but more ado. scatter.

It was said, Haddoche himself, with about fourtie hors, wes lying nar Sir John was
hand, at the bak of ane know, beholding the sport ; bot kythit not that day. "°^ '^'" °^-

The schirref, seing thir men brak rankis at the schot of thir hagbutis The Sheriff
of found, resolvit to go no forder on, bot to wreit to the Estaites, and wites to the
schaw his diligens ; as indeid he did. And so this mater ceasit.

The seging of the Hous of Haddoche, callit Kelly. ' (a. d. 1644.)

Upon Mononday the sexth May, the army, (foot and hors, Hieland and The army

Lawland men, and Irish regiment, estimat, bag and baggage, to be about ^ellv^^ '"

I [From Spalding's History of the Troubles in Scotland, vol. ii., pp. -222—224. " The
laird of Haddo," wTites Bishop Guthry, " with captain Logie, (the son of a learned
minister, that for his loyalty was already twice deposed,) with some soldiers did betake

326 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

sex thousand men,) marchit fra Chrystes Grain at Wdny, touardis the Place
of Kelly; whairon thair wes no roofe, hot the wallis stronglie built, stand-
ing on volt ; for the laird duelt in laiiche bigging besyde the hous, and had
fortefeit the wallis with faill, quhairby men might stand and defend the
Thelaird,with hous. The laird had sum freindis, servandis, and tennentis within the
some friends, j^Qug^ ^eill fumeshit with meit, drink, and all uther necessar provisioun ;
the house well and store of ammunitioun, sic as hagbuttis of found, muscatis, carrabinis,
furnished. suordis, pikis, pistolHs, pulder, ball, and suche like. He causit burne wp

He burns up ^- g^^jjj gtables, bames, bvres, and uther lauche bigging, lest the same

the laicli p ■ 1 • • , .

bigging. sould be ane scons or refuge to his enemeis ; and, at thair approche, schot

Argyle, Mar- divers hagbuttis of found and muscatis to hold thame af ; who wes also
schal, and the attending the cuming of the Marques of Argile and Erll Merschall, who
Lord Gordon, „t -t^i. --iiti^i .

come to the cam from Innerurie to Kelly, accompaniet with the Lord Gordoun, the

array. Lord Fraser, the Master of Forbes, and divers uther barronis, leaving his

regiment of Irishes lying at Innerurie.

Arwyle's con- The Marques, seing this hous could not be won hot with effusioun of

sideration and much blood, sendis ane trumpettour summonding the laird of Haddoche to

'\ ^' rander the hous, utheruvs sic as would cum willinglie out and yeild, sould

He summons .„,.,. . , , , ,

Haddo to ren- have conditionis of thair lives and goodis ; and thay who would stand out,

der the house, gould have no mercie. This charge seemit veray strange ; and, withall,

tion^ '^'"' ' Walter Ritcherdsone, his canoneir, lap the wallis of Kelly, and stall away

Thecannoneer to the Camp, to all thair gryter greifis that wes within the hous. At last,

leaps the walls thg laird and the rest gois to counsall, quhair his men declairit they wold

camp. ''yd be him, providing he wold schaw thame ane way to stand out ; uther-

Haddo goes to uayis, thay wold rather yeild now, upon conditionis, nor yeild perforce,

counc!l. without ony conditionis.

himself to the Castle of Haddo, and fortified it so, that it might well have endured Argyle's
fury. But he, coming before it, went more craftily to work, by oftering fair quarters to
the soldiers, and all others within the house, except to the laird himself, and captain Logie.
Upon which they embraced the conditions, and having first bound with fetters the laird
and the captain, they did cast open the gates to Argyle, etc." (The Memoirs of Henry
Guthry, late Bishop of Dunkcld, p. 152. Glasg. 1747. 8vo.) In May, 1639, Mon-
trose, then one of the Parliament's generals, threatened with siege " the House of Haddo,
pertaining to the laird of Haddo, called Kellie," and held out by Sir John Gordon for
the King. The Parliament's army beleaguered the neighbouring Place of Gicht, but after
lying it before two days the siege was raised. (Spalding's Hist, of Troub., vol. i., pp.
145, H6; Gordons History of Scots Affairs, vol. ii., pp. 264,265; Mr. Napier's Life
and Times of Montrose, pp. 103, 104. Edinb. 1840. 8vo.)]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— METHLIC. 327

The laird of Haddoche wes now put to grite extremitie, and could be no Hard to keep
meinis draw thame fra thair opinioun, quhilk doubtles wes thair best '^ house against
seing ane feirfull army befoir thame, and no kynd of apeirans of releif to ^

rais them. Nather was it wisdome to tak the keiping of ane hous ao-anes
ane army, except thay knew of releif by cuming of ane uther army ;
utheruayis it is not possibill to no strenth long to stand out, bot at last
must yeild.

The laird of Haddoche, now, out of tyme, findis his awin folic, and Haddo haii>>-s
haistellie hingis out ane signe of parlie, and callis for his young cheif, the °"* " ^'^" "'
Lord Gordoun, to whome he oiferis to rander his hous, upone conditioun
that himself, his men, and souldiouris within the samen, sould be saif in
thair lives, landis, and goodis ; whiche the Lord Gordoun could not o-et
grantit. Then he sent for the Erll MarschaD, craving thir conditionis ;
quhilkis war plainlie refusit, and the maist that wes grantit, wes, that he
sould rander his hous, cum out with himself and his men to the Marques of
Argile, and lordis and capitanes of the army, and humelie submit thera-
selffis, lyf, landis, and goodis, in the will of the Estaites, and ordour of the
army. This wes the maist the Erll Marschall could wirk. The laird of
Haddoche yeildis to the Erll Marschall, being his blood freind, and laitlie Haddo yield-.
cum of his hous, ' upone thir conditionis ; bot not to his young cheif,
who ofFerit the same conditionis, quhairat he tuke sum exceptioun, as wes
thocht.

Now the yettis ar all cassin wp. The laird of Haddoche cums out, and Haddo come*
all his soldiouris. Then thay set in about thirty sax soldiouris to keip the °"''. ''"'^ his
Place of Kelly, whiche thay fund weill furneshit with meit and drink, submir'then
quhairon thay fed lustellie, with about nyn scoir chalderis of victuall in his selves,
girnellis ; for he had keipit wp mekill of thrie yeiris rent. Statelie wes
the plenishing within this hous, and plesant yardis and planting about the
samen.

Now the soldiouris brakis lous, and byrnis wp the haill tennentis bigo-in<;-
of Mekill Kelly, for the most pairt, the bigging of Overhill, and sum
biggingis of Thornehill ; and uther bigging thay tirrit, tuke doun the

' [By descent on the female side. Sir Jolin Gordon of Haddo was the grandson of the
lady Jane Keith, (fourth daughter of William Lord Keith and Master of Marischal,) sister
of George fifth Earl Marischal, (the founder of Marischal College and University,) who
was the grandfather of the Earl spoken of in the text, William seventh Earl Marischal.]

328 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

tymber, and maid huttis thairof; and lykuaies brak doun and cuttit the
plesant planting, to be huttis ; and distroyit the grein growing hedges out
at the ground. Thay enterit to the haill bestiall, nolt, scheip, ky, pertening
to the laird on his raaynes, and to his tenentis quhairever thay could be
found, eit and destroyit wp all. The Erll Marschall himself mellit with
fyve or sex saddill horssis of good worth, pertening to the laird of Had-
doche. His haill arnies within the hous, quhairof thair wes plentie, wes
pluckit wp and plunderit. Thair wes not ane lok, key, band, dur, nor

The tennents wyndo, left onbrokin doun. To the poor tennentis, cotteris and girshmen,

sore abused. ^j,q f^j. fgjj. ^f t^jyjr lives had fled heir and thair, throw the countrie fra

Ineytiietrom , „. . . . , ,

their houses, thair duelhngis, and convoyit sic geir as thay could get out of the way, thay

Their beds and [)rak doun beddis, burdis, almereis, and uther tymber wark, and made fvre

burds made „ ,

fire of. ''' t"6 same.

The spuilyie of the Place of Kelly, and Place of Geicht.' (a.d. 1644.)

1 e hard, befoir, how the Place of Kelly, and Place of Geicht, war bothe
randerit. Thair was sum bigging brynt to the tenentis about Kelly, becaus
the laird, for his awin defens, had brynt wp sum of his awin barnes and
byres. He had sex young children within the Place of Kelly ; which, when
it was randerit, war all put to the yett, saif and sound. Friendis took thrie
of them, and uther thrie wes sent into Old Abirdene, for lerning at the
scoollis ; bot had not ane penny of thair fatheris estait bestowit upone thame.
Bot thir sauUes souldiouris leivit welthellie upone thair fatheris meinis ; and
in the Place of Kelly, and in the Place of Geicht also, thay distroyit wp all,
and plunderit them both. And, first, thay take out the staitUe insicht and
plenishing, sic as bedding, naiprie, veschel caldrouns, chandleris, fyre
veschell, quhairof thair wes plentie, kistis, cofferis, cabinetis, trunkis; and all
uther plenishing and armour, quhairof thair wes plentie in both thir houssis,
quhilk thay could get careit on hors or foot, wes takin away south ; to-
gidder with the haill oxin, nolt, ky, hors, meiris, and scheip, quhilkis war
upone the saidis maynes of Haddoche and Geicht, and not ane four footed
beist left that thay could get. When thir commodeteis wes plunderit and
spolyeit, than thay began to wirk upone the tymber wark quhilkis war fixt ;
and thair thay cruellie brak doun the wanescot burdis, bedis, capalmeris,
tymber wallis, sylring, toome girnellis and the lyk, and maid fyre of all.

' [From Spalding's History of the Troubles in Scotland, vol. ii., p. 232.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— TARVES.

329

Thay took out the iron yettis, iron stancheouns of windois, brak doun the
o-lassin windois, and left nather yett, dur, nor wyndo, onbrokin doun ; and,
in effect, lef thame desolat befoir thay removit.]

TARVES.

ARVES hath for its tutelar Saint Englat, Bishop
under King Kenneth III., about A. D. d.cccc.lxvi.
He is corruptedly called here Saint Tanglan ; his
anniversary faUeth on the third of November. *
" Magna fuit in Strathbogia opinione sanctitatis,
et miraculorum gloria Celebris." f The patronage
belongeth to the Earl of Aberdeen.
The church has a choir and two isles : one, for the Gordons of
Haddo, nov\r ruinous ; another, for the Forbeses of Tolquhoun, also
ruinous. Sir Thomas de Longovile, ' (otherwise called the Red
Reaver,) the French pyrate, whom Wallace is said to have taken
at sea, and recovered to a regular life, is reported to have dyed at
Ythsie, and to lye at the east end of this church. It is added, that
the two blew stones, now on the stair-head of Tolquhon's loft,
whereon now nothing can be discovered graven but a cross, were
taken from his grave.

• Second volume of the Aberdeen Breviary ; King's Calendar [: " Nouember 3. S.
Englate bischope and confessor in Scotland under King Kennete 3. [a. d.] 966." See
also T. Dempster! Hist. Ecclesiast. Gentis Scot., t. i., p. 248.]

t Vide Lesl. [De Reb. Gest. Scot.] lib. v., [p. 189] ; Boet. [Scot. Hist.] lib. xi.,
[f. 234] ; Camer. ad 5. Novembris. [De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. 18S. See also G.
Conaei de Dvplici Statv Religionis apvd Scotos, lib. i., p. 52.]

' [See as to this fabled hero. Blind Harry's romance of Wallace, b. ix., v. 60 — 420 ;
b. xi., V. 1139—1154: pp. 224— 235, 350, 351. Dr. Jamieson's edit. Edinb. 1820. 4to.
According to another popular tradition, he was buried in the churchyard of Bourtie, in
The Garioch. (Stat. Ace. of Scot., vol. ix., p. 437. Edinb. 1793 ; New Statist. Ace.
of Scot., number xxxix., p. 624. Edinb. 1842.) In the middle of the last century, what
was believed to be a relic of his armour was discovered in a funeral vault at the church
of Kinfauns, near Perth. (Stat. Ace. of Scot., vol. xiv., p. 225. Edinb. 1795.)]

330 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

One Hospital Here is a Hospital, (hard by the church,) founded by [William]
Forbes of Tolquhon,' for four poor men, who were to eat and lye
here, and to have each a peck of meal, and three shillings, a penny
and two-sixths of a penny, Scots, weekly ; also, some malt, peats,
etc. The meal and money they still have ; but their house, which
is slated, is neglected, and quite waste.

and thiee Saint BARTHOLOMEW'S Chappel, at a Small hamlet, called thence

Chappeis. Bartle Chappel.

Saint John's, at Ythsie.
at Shithinn. ^

MaiiMoif. ToLauHON consists of an antient castle, called The Preston's

Towr, from its first possessors, and of several other buildings, (which
render it a court,) begun, (as the inscription^ of the front shews,) by
William Forbes of Tolquhon, A. D. m.d.lxxxiv., and ended by him
A.D. m.d.lxxxix. But Marjory, daughter of Sir Henry Preston
of Formartin, having, under King James I., married Sir John
Forbes, son to Sir John Forbes of That Ilk, the house and estate

I [" De Gulielmo Forbesio Tolchonu.

Avxisset cum prole domuni Tolchonus et arvis,

Confectus senio sponte reliquit humum.
Condidit hunc tumulum, quo conditur ipse, supremuni

Exspectans animo nil metuente diem.
Hunc prope pauperibus devotos aspicis agros,

Tectaque mortali non violanda manu.
Nee procul his domini surgunt palatia, Regis

Non semel hospitio nobilitata sui.
Haec terris monimenta dedit Tolchonus, et inter

Has operum moles crescere vidit opes.
Quantulus, exuvias si spectas corporis, alti
Si pensas munera, quantus homo est ? "
(Artvri lonstoiii Poemata Omnia, p. 379; Delitiae Poetarvm Scotorvm, t. i., p. 617;
Poetarum Scotorum Musae Sacrae, p. li.)]

2 [In a roll of lost charters of King Robert III. is " Carta to John Ogstoun, of the
lands of Schithun, in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen, by resignation of John Maxwell of Pol-
lock." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 138.)]

2 [" AL THIS WARKE EXCEP THE AVLD TOVR WAS BEGVN BE WILLIAM rORBE.«
• 16 • APRILE • 1584 • AND ENDIT BE HIM • 20 • OCTOBER ■ 1589 • "]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON—TARVES. 331

was possessed by that family, (of whom descended Culloden, Bal-
logie, Waterton, Foveran, and many others,) till just now, that Sir
John Paterson, son to Sir William Paterson, clerk to the council
under King Charles II., and grandson to Bisliop Paterson of Ross,
having purchased it, lives here, and calls it Granton. Sir Alex-
ander Forbes of Tolquhon fought bravely for King Charles II., at
Worcester, supplying him with his own horse when he was dis-
mounted' ; and that Ballogie, who undid this family by his law-
suits, saw, soon after, his own undone.

1. Sir John Forbes, first laird of Tolquhon, by the heiress of
Tolquhon, (to omit the younger sons,) had

2. Sir John Forbes of Tolquhon, who, by [Anne,] daughter to
Straton of Laurieston, had

3. Alexander Forbes of Tolquhon, who, by [Jane,] daughter to
Hay of Delgatie, had

' [" Sir Alexander, at Worcester, commanded a troop of horse, raised by himself, and
when the King's horse was shot under him, he defended him by his troop ; and, while
General Lesly seem'd unconcerned, with his cloak muffld up to his chin, and beheld the
rout of the King's troops, he kept the enemy at bay, mounted the King on his own horse,
put a soldier's coat and a bloody handkerchief about him, and, sending him safe off the
field, he kept the enemy still engaged till he was shot through both the calves of the legs.
He lay among the dead till next day, (some say longer,) when, being observ'd to have
life, he was taken care of by a lady in the neighbourhood, who ventur'd to shew him that
kindness. The story of that lady's falling in love with him, and his concealing his being a
marry'd man till he was recover'd, perhaps, is fancifull." (MS. Memoir in the charter
chest at Whitehaugh.)

" The right worshipfuU Sir Alexander Forbes of Tolquhone, Knight, for his atchievement
and ensigne armoriall bears two coats quarterlie : first, azure, three bears heads, couped,
argent, musselcd gules, be the name of Forbes : second, argent, three vnicornes heads, erased,
sable, be the name of Prestone of Formartine : third, as the second ; the fourth, as the first.
On ane helmet befitting his degree, mantled gules, doubled argent, is set for his crest, a
stags bead, attyred with ten tynes proper, supported be tuo greyhounds proper, colared
gules: the motto, in ane escroU above, Salus per Christum." ("Extract of the
blazoning of the coat armoriall appertaining to the right worshipfuU Sir Alexander
Forbes of Tolquhone," under the signature and seal of Sir Charles Araskine of Cambo,
knight baronet, Lyon King of Arms, the third day of September, 1674, in the charter chest
at Whitehaugh.)]

332 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

4. Malcolm' Forbes of Tolquhon, who, by [Margaret,] daughter
to James [second] Lord Forbes, had

5. William Forbes of Tolquhon, who, by ... . daughter to Leitli
of Barnes, had, (besides his eldest son John Forbes of Tolquhon,
quho died childless,)

' [ " The Paipeis dispensatioune to Malcom Forbess to marie Margrat Forbess docliter to
the Lord Forbess • " (a. d. 1487. From the original in the charter chest at
Whitehaugh.)
" Venerabili in Xpo patri • • Dei gratia Episcopo Aberdonensi / uel eius vicariis in spiritua-
libus • Julianus miseratione diuina Episcopus Ostiensis sahitem et sinceram in Domino cari-
tatem • Sedis apostolice prouidentia circumspecta nonnunquam rigorem im-is mansuetudine
temperat et quod sacrorum canonum prohibent instituta de gratia benignitatis indulget prout
personarum et temporum qualitate pensata id in Deo salubriter expedire cognoscit / Sane
exparte Malcomj Forbes de Towchon laici / et Margarite Forbes mulieris uestre diocesis /
nobis oblata petitio continebat quod ipsi ex certis rationabilibus causis desiderant inuicem ma-
trimonialiter copulari / Sed quia • quarto consanguinitatis gradu • inuicem sunt coniuncti /
eorum in hac parte desiderium adimplere non possunt dispensatione apostolica super hoc non
obtenta • Quare suppUcari fecerunt humiliter ijdem exponentes eis super hijs per eandem
sedem de opportune dispensationis gratia misericorditer prouideri ■ Nos itaque eorum in
hac parte supplicationibus inclinati • auctoritate domini pape cuius primarie curam geri-
mus • et de eius special! mandato super lioc uiue uocis oraculo nobis facto • circumspec-
tioni uestre committimus quatenus si est ita cum ipsis exponentibus quod impedimento con-
sanguinitatis huiusmodi non obstante possint inter se matrimonium libere contrahere / et in
eo postquam contractum fuerit licite remanere misericorditer dispensetis • dummodo dicta
mulier propter hoc ab aliquo rapta non fuerit / proleni suscipiendam exinde legitimam de-
cernentes ■ Datum Rome apud Sanctumpetrum sub sigillo officij primarie xvij Kalendas
Aprilis Pontificatus domini Innocencij pape viij anno Tertio ■ "

On the seventh of July, 1492, "the lordis of consale decrettis and deliueris that Malcum
Forbes of Tulquhone sail content and pay to Maister William Forbes prouest of Sanctgelis
kirk and Schyr William Borthwik dark of our Souerane Lordis compt ' the single avale
of his mariage insafar as thai may sufficiently pref the said mariage is of avale / becaus the
said Malcum mariit without consent of the saidis Maister William and Schyr William
quhilkis has the said marriage of our Souerane Lorde letc.~\ And as to the double avale of
the said mariage clamit be the saidis personis The lordis assignis to the saidis clerkis the
viij day of October to pref sufficiently that thai offerit the said Malcum a sufficient partij
and mariage but disprising." ( Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 244.)

On the twenty fifth of November, 1487, " honorabilis vir Malcomus Forbes, filius etheres
quondam Alexandri Forbes de Tolquhone," received sasine " de terris dominij de Tolquhone
cum pertinenciis jacentibus in baronia de Fermartyne." (Original writ in the charter chest
at Whitehaugh.)]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— TARVES. 333

6, Alexander Forbes ' of Tolquhon, who, by Alison, daughter to
Anderson, burgess in Edinburgh, had

7. William Forbes of Tolquhon, who, by [E.,] daughter to Gor-
don of Lismore, had*

[8. William Forbes of Tolquhon, who, by Janet, daughter to Sir
George Ogilvie of Dunlugas, had, (besides his eldest son Alexander
Forbes, who died without succession,)

9. Walter Forbes of Tolquhon, who, by Jean Forbes, sister to
Alexander first Lord Pitsligo, had

10. Sir Alexander Forbes of Tolquhon, (who married Dame
Bathia Murray, daughter to the laird of Blackbarony, but died
without issue A. D. m.d.cc.ii.), and Thomas Forbes of Auchry, who.
by Henrietta, daughter to James Erskine Earl of Buchan, had

11. William Forbes of Tolquhon, who married Anne, daughter
and heiress of John Leith of Whitehaugh, and died, at Westminster,
in January m.d.cc.xxviil, leaving issue two sons and a daughter.]^

Keithfield,^ belongs to Methlick, though annexed to Tarves ;

' [There is in the charter chest at Whitehaugh, a charter under the great seal, dated the
second of December, 1536, confirming " Alexandro Forbes fiho et heredi apparent! Willelmi
Forbes de Tolquhone I onuies et singulas terras et baroniam de Tolquhone cum turre forti-
licio molendinis multuris tenentibus tenandriis liberetenentibus seruiciis annexis connexis et
pendicuhs earundem et suis pertinenciis jacentes infra vicecomitatum de Abirdene • nee-
non dicto Alexandro et Alisone .\ndirsone eius sponse [ete.] totas et integras terras de Park
et \l. de] Tyftie cum annuo redditu viginti solidorum annuatim levandorum de molendino Ac
Tyftie jacentes in predicta baronia "]

• Lumsden's MS. History of the Forbeses [, pp. 31, 32, edit. 1S19.]

2 [Lumsden's Genealogy of the House of Forbes, p. 32 ; Mr. J. Davidson's Genealogy
of the House of Tolquhon, pp. 12-17, .\berdeen, 1839, 8vo., printed for private circula-
tion, compiled from " the family papers and charters which are in the possession of Colonel
Forbes Leith, the laird of Witehaugh, and the present representative of the House of Tol-
quhon."]

' [Anciently called Tulligonys. Elizabeth Gareauche, domina de TuUigonys, cum
consensu quondam Duncani Forbes tilii sui et heredis, concessit, in perpetuam elimosinam,
Fratri Johanni Penney, Priori domus Fratrum Predicatorum burgi de Abirden, et conuen-
tui eiusdem, unum annuum redditum viginti solidorum, monete Scotie, annuatim levandorum
de terris suis de Tulligonys, infra vicecomitatum de Abirden. Datum sub sigillo suo apud

2 u

:334 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

and is the seat of Keith of Keithfield, a cadet of the Earl Marishal,
but, (some say,) by a natural son.

AuCHORTiES, the seat of Forbes of Auchorties ; the first of which
family was son to Forbes of Lesley, and brother to the first Bal-
fluig.

Shivess,' the seat of the Grays of Shivess, for above two hundred
years, ' who have been still Roman Catholicks ; though possessed
before them by the Lipps, who married the heiress of Shivess of
That Ilk : which Shivesses possessed also Gight, of late purchased
by a son of Sir John Forbes of Craigievar, to whom it gives
a title.

Cairnbrogie, Davidson.

AucHNivE, now the Earl of Aberdeen's.

TiLLYiLT, now the Earl of Aberdeen's.

[Carta de ecclesiis de Gameryn et de Taruays • ■' (1189 — 1198.)

• Willelmus • Dei gracia Rex Scottorum • Omnibus [eic] Sciant [e<c.] me
(ledisse letc] ■ Deo et ecclesie Sancti Thome Martiris de Abirbrothoc et

Ordefork die mensis Maii, A. D. 1490. (Original in the Denmyln Collection

of Charters, MS. Advocates' Library.)]

1 [On the tenth of March, 1834, there was presented to the Society of the Antiquaries
of Scotland, " by Alexander Forbes Irvine, esquire, of Schivas, a bronze Roman sword,
found in a bog, seven feet below the surface, at Schivas in Aberdeenshire." (MS. Minutes
of the Soc. Antiq. Scot.)]

2 [On the tenth of February, 1492, •• before the lordis auditouris comperit William
Dumbrek for him self and for Conny Gordoune his spous and protestit that becauss Andro
Gray of Schewis gert summond thaim at his instance for the wrangwis occupatioun of the
landis of The Qwiltis of Shewass as is contenit in the sumniondis and walde nocht compere
to folow thaim he beand oft tymmes callit thairto That thairfore he sail nocht be harde in
jugement in the said actioun quhill he refound and pay to thaim xx schillingis for thair ex-
penss and tha be new summond." (Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p. 161.)]

3 [From the Registruni Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.

In this and the more recent chartulary of the same house there are preserved three deeds
regarding a yearly pension of eight merks due to the Abbey of Arbroath from the
vicarage teinds of Tarves.

1. Henricus miseracione diuina Abirdonensis ecclesie minister, cum manucepisset deci-
sionem controuersie mote inter Abbatem et monasterium de Abirbrothoc, et Dominum Gal-

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— TARVES. 335

nionachis ibidem Deo seruientibus et seruituris • ecclesiam de Gameryn •
et ecclesiam de Tarueys • cum omnibus ad predictas ecclesias iuste perti-
nentibus [c/c] ■ Testibus ■ Hugone cancellario raeo • A • abbate de Dini-

friduin de Welleys, vicarium de Tarvays, super quadam pensione octo mercarum dicto mo-
nasterio racione vicarie predicte singulis annis soluendarum, habendam fieri fecit inquisi-
cionem super vero valore eiusdem vicarie a tempore ingressus eiusdem vicarii, qua inspecta,
de consensu utriusque partis, decernit predictum vicarium fore obligatum predicto Abbati et
inonasterio in predicta pensione, iuxta ordinacionem iudicum delegatorum a sede Apostolica,
etc. Actum et datum, apud Kane, die Veneris infra octauas Assumpcionis Beate Marie
Virginis, anno gracie 1322.

2. In presencia Alexandri Dei gracia Episcopi Abyrdonensis, Dominus Galfridus de
Wellys, perpetuus vicarius de Tarwass, confessus est quandam annuam pensionem octo
marcharum sterlingorum deberi monasterio de Abyrbrocht de vicaria sua de Tarways, sin-
gulis annis de decimis lane et agnorum ejusdeni vicarie soluendiirum, etc. Datum, apud
canoniam de Abyrden, die Mercurii in festo Beati Augustini episcopi et doctoris, anno
gracie 1331.

3. In presencia venerabilis in Christo patris ac domini, Domini Alexandri Dei gracia
Aberdonensis episcopi, in ecclesia Beati Nycholai de Abyrden, ultimo die mensis Maii, anno
gracie 1342, Johannes de Monros, perpetuus vicarius ecclesie de Tarwais, confessus est se
teneri singulis annis, a tempore introitus sui in dictam vicariam, Abbati et conuentui monas-
terii de Abirbrothoc, in annua pensione octo marcarum sterlyngorum de decima lane et ag-
norum dicte vicarie soluendarum, etc. Datum in ecclesia Sancti Nycholai predicta anno et
die supradictis.

On the seventh of December, 1493, Master John Lumsden, a priest of the diocese of St.
Andrews, is presented to the perpetual vicarage of the parish church of Tarves, vacant by
the decease of Sir Alexander Abercrummy.

On the seventh of September, 1496, Master Edward Cunynghame, rector of Cusny, a
priest of the diocese of Glasgow, is presented to the same vicarage, vacant, or to be vacant,
by the decease of Sir Alexander Abbircrummy, of his predecessor Thomas Myretone, or
otherwise. The deed of presentation, dated at the abbey of Arbroath, is witnessed by
John Ogilvy of Fyngask, Andrew Rossy, Patrick Uldny, and Adam Patonsone.

On the thirteenth of March, 1501, Sir Archibald Balcolmy is presented to the same
vicarage, vacant, or to be vacant, by the demission of Sir Thomas Myretone.

" Preceptum Pauli III. ad inducendum Alexandrum Ogilvvy in vicariam perpetuam eccle-

sie parrochialis de Tarwes • " (a. d. 1540. From the original at Whitehaugh.)
■' Jraulus episcopus seruus seruorum Dei . ■ Venerabili fratri Episcopo Cajertano et dilectis
filijs Abbati monasterij de Lundoris Sanctiandree diocesis ac Precentori ecclesie Morauiensis
Salutem et apostolicam benedictionem • Hodie dilecto filio -Alexandro Ogilvvy scolari Aber-
donensis diocesis perpetuam vicariam parrochialis ecclesie de Tarwes Aberdonensis diocesis
tunc per liberam resignationem dilecti filij Henrici Lumysden nuper ipsius ecclesie perpetui
vioarij de ilia quam tuijp obtinebat per certum procuratorem suum ad id ab eo specialiter

336 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

fermelyn • Willelino abbate de Edinburg • Wydone abbate de Lundors ■
Comite Patricio • Willelrao de Lindesai • Philippo de Valoniis • Geruasio
Auenel ■ Willelmo de Somiruill • Apud Rokisburg ■

Carta Alexandri Regis de terra de Taruays • ' (a.d. 1234.)
Alexander • Dei gracia Rex Scottorum • Omnibus [e^c] Sciant presentes
et futuri • quod cum presentes esseraus apud Balraurinach ad exequias et
humacionem • Domine Ermengardis Regine matris nostre • ibidem pro-
misimus et manucepimus quod Abbatem et conuentum de Abbirbroth ad-
quietaremus de quadraginta marcis quas annuatim eis soluebant pro firraa
ecclesie de Barry • Nos vero dictam promissionem adimplentes • prefatis
Abbati et monachis de Abbirbroth • pro quieta clamacione dictarum quad-
raginta marcarum quam fecerunt monachis de Balmurinach • dedimus [etcJ]
terras subscriptas • scihcet . Desuen • que est due dauach • Carrin-
brogyn ■ una dauach • Hathkery • et Tullcarry • que sunt una dauach •
Brekkereth que est dimidia dauach • Tulielt • que est quarta pars unius
dauach ■ Tenendas eis inperpetuum in liberara elemosinam \_etc.'] Faciendo
forinsecum in exercitu quod pertinet ad predictas terras • de comrauni
autem auxiho pertinenti ad predictas terras eos inperpetuum quietos cla-

constitutum in manibus nostris sponte factam et per nos admissam apud sedem apostolicam
vacantem et antea dispositioni apostolice reseruatam cum omnibus iuribus et pertinentiis srfis
extunc prout ex ea die et econtra postquam clericali caractere rite insignitus foret apostolica
auctoritate contulimus et de ilia etiam prouidimus prout in nostris inde confectis litteris
plenius continetur • Quocirca discretion! vestre per apostolica scripta mandamus quatenus
vos uel duo aut vnus vestrura fiet postquam dicte littere vobis presentate fuerint per vos uel
alium seu alios eundem Alexandrum postquam dicto caractere rite insignitus fuerit ut pre-
fertur vel procuratorem suum eius nomine in corporalem possessionem vicarie iuriumque et
pertinentiarum predictorum inducatis auctoritate nostra et defendatis inductum amoto exinde
quolibet detentore facientes Alexandrum vel pro eo procuratorem predictum ad vicariam
huiusmodi ut est moris admitti sibique de illius fructibus redditibus prouentibus iuribus et
obuentionibus vniuersis integre responderi Contradictores auctoritate nostra appellatione
postposita compescendo Non obstantibus omnibus que in dictis litteris voluimus non obstare
Seu si venerabili fratri nostro Episcopo Aberdonensi vel quibusuis alijs communiter vel
diuisim ab eadem sit sede indultum quod interdici suspendi vel excommunicari non possint
per litteras apostolicas non facientes plenam et expressam ac de verbo ad verbum de indulto
huiusmodi mentionem Datum Montisrosuli Nepesine diocesis Anno incarnationis

dominice Millesimoquingentesimoquadragesimo vndccimo Kalendas

Octobris Pontificatus nostri anno Sexto • "]

' [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.] <

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— TARVES. 337

mauimus • Concessiinus eciam eis ut dictas terras habeant in liberura
forestum ■ quare firmiter prohibemus ne quis in dictis terris secet aut ve-
netur sine eorura licencia super nostram plenariam forisfacturam decern
librarum • Testibus • W ■ episcopo Glasguensi cancellario ■ R • comite de
Strathern • W • filio Alani senescallo justiciario Scocie • R • de Quency
constabulario Scocie • W • Cumyn comite de Menteth • Alano Hostiario
comite Atholie • Henrico de Striuelyn filio comitis ■ Jobanne de Haya •
A pud Sanctum Andream • vicesimo quinto ■ die Decembris • anno regni
Domini Regis • Vicesimo Primo •

Perambulacio inter Abbatem de Abyrbrothoc et Comitissara de Bucban /

super terris de Taruays-' (a. d. 1236.)
Omnibus hoc scriptum visuris vel audituris • R ■ Dei gracia Abbas de
Dunfermlyn cancellarius • Salutem in Domino sempiternam • Noueritis uni-
uersi nos rotulum Domini Regis inspexisse in quo continebatur quod quedara
controuersia mota fuit inter • Dominum Abbatem et conuentum de Abir-
brothoc • ex parte una • et quosdam vicinos eorum ex altera • super limitibus
et diuisis quarundam terrarum • et quod eadera controuersia sopiebatur in
hunc modum • Anno gracie • m° • cc° • tricesimo sexto • apud Orde-
bofyn • iij° ■ die Augusti • Ita sopita fuit controuersia mota inter • Abba-
tem et conuentum de Abirbrothoc ex una parte • et • M • Comitissam de
Buchan ■ tunc in viduitatis sue potestate existentem ex altera / videlicet ■
quod dictus Abbas et conuentus • pro se et successoribus suis ■ quietum
clamauerunt predicte Comitisse et heredibus suis • Brechulath • per diuisas
subscriptas / scilicet • per Starbrecbulacb • ac per quoddam wascellum
quod circuit terram de Brechulath • et sic per le Blarbuthe • et sic usque
ad coUem / ex occidentali parte montis / ubi due cruces fixe sunt ■ Dicta
vero Comitissa ■ pro se et heredibus suis • quietum clamauit • Deo • et
Sancto Thome • et dictis Abbati et conuenuti ■ totam terram de • Ord-
bothbathfyn • per rectas diuisas suas usque ad riuulum de Strattethy • Pre-
terea dictis die et loco dictus Abbas • pro se et conuentu ■ quietum clamauit
omnes querelas et demandas terrarum • Philippi de Phendarg • pro quieta
clamancia de • Ordlothlany • quam dictus Philippus dictis Abbati et
conuentui quietam clamauit pro • Cardrum • et Ordendrayn ■ et Kelblen ■
quas dictus Abbas / sine querela et demanda / quietas clamauit dicto Phi-

' [From the Registrum Vetus Ceoobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

838 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

lippo • fideliter promittenti bonam vicinitatem hominibus dictorum Abbatis
et conuentus circummanentibus • Item • in crastino eiusdem diei ■ re-
cognite fuerunt per iuramentum proborum virorum • recte diuise inter
terram Abbatis et conuentus de Abirbrothoc • et terram de • Strath-
lochach • videlicet • per Leyn Conueggy • et per stratam montis usque
ad wascellura qui dicitur • Rassalach • et sicut Rassalach descendit in ri-
uulum de Orky • Presentibus • V • filio Alani senescallo justiciario
Scocie • R • Bygot • Philippo de Maleuill • R • de Paninton • V • Prat
tunc vicecomite de Abirden • A • filio comitis de Anegus • M • filio
comitis de Buchan • Thoma Orock • militibus • Kereld / Pherharchd / et
Thoma / judicibus • et multis aliis • In huius rei testimonium sigillum
nostrum apponi fecimus buic scripto • Datum ■ apud Forfar • anno gracie

• m" • cc° ■ Li° • primo die August! •

Carta de Auchineve data Philippo de Foedarg •' (1244 — 1260.)

Omnibus Christi fidelibus hoc scriptum visurus vel audituris • Walterus •
Dei gracia Abbas de Abbirbrothoc et eiusdem loci conuentus • eternam in
Domino salutem • Noueritis nos [efc] dedisse [etc.'] Domino Philippo de
Fedarg • pro homagio et seruicio suo • illam terram nostram in territorio
de Taruayis • que vocatur • Achathaneve • sicut ilia terra se extendit
per latum et longum • a mora que vocatur ■ Blarbury • et sic descendendo
in riuulum • qui vocatur • Kerthenyn ■ versus orientem • et sicut ille
riuulus descendit in alium riuulum qui vocatur Lochlonny • et sic ascen-
dendo per ilium riuulum usque ad terram eiusdem Philippi • in bosco et
piano [etc.'] cum multura eiusdem terre • Tenendam [etc.'] libere [etc.] ab
orani seculari demanda • Reddendo [etc.] annuatim unam dimidiam marcam
argenti • ad Pentecosten • et faciendo forinsecum Domini Regis seruicium
quantum pertinet in omnibus ad sextam partem unius dauach • In cuius
rei testimonium presenti scripto sigillum capituli nostri fecimus a])poni •
Teste capitulo nostro ■

Concordia inter Episcopum Aberdonensem et Abbatem de Arbroth de
limitibus terrarum de • Tulachgrig • et • Auchlek • - (a. d. 1255.)

• Anno • gracie • millesimo ■ ducentesimo • Quinquagesimo Quinto • die
Mercurii proxima post festum Sancti Thome Apostoli ■ Cum mota esset dis-

' [From the Registrum Vctus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]
2 [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— TARVES. 339

sensio inter venerabilem patrem ■ P • Dei gracia Episcopum Aberdonen-
sem • et eiusdem loci capitulum ex una parte ■ et viros religiosos Abbatem
et conuentum de Abbirbrothoc ex altera • super diuisis et limitibus terre
de • Tulachgrig • que est dicti Episcopi et ecclesie Aberdonensis • et
terre de • Dessuenenin • et Achlek • que est dictorum Abbatis et con-
uentus de Abirbrothoc • Tandem ut omnis materia dissensionis tolleretur de
medio ■ Episcopus et capitulum compromiserunt in duos clericos quos ad
diem assignatum decreuerunt procurare • et Abbas et conuentus in duos
clericos quos ex sua parte voluerunt producere arbitros • et utraque pars
corapromisit in Episcopos • Morauiensem • Rossensem • Katinensem ■ ut
unus eorum qui voluerit et commodius interesse sit arbiter superior • ut
quatuor de predictis arbitris vel tres vel soli duo cum arbitro superiori •
certo die super eisdem terris ac limitibus earundem de piano et sine strepitu
iudiciali • auditis peticlonlbus et iuribus utriusque partis • tam super pos-
sessione quam super proprietate predictarum diuisarum et limitum • eligant
et admittant testes neutri parti suspectos • videlicet • milites liberetenentes
et tocius terre fideliores et clarius huius rei veritatem cognoscentes • et
eorum deposiciones in scriptis redigant singulariter et legittime examinato-
rum • quorum deposicionibus publicatis dicti arbitri omnes • vel maior pars •
Deum pre oculis habentes et condempnacionem aniraarum suarum per omnia
formidantes arbitrabuntur super dictis diuisis iustam et canonicam senten-
ciam • secundum eorum consciencias et legittime probata promulgantes •
ita tamen quod ab inicio dicti Episcopus Aberdonensis et arbiter superior in
propriis personis cum insigniis suis • et cum maiore solempnitate • et Abbas
auctoritate Episcopi Aberdonensis • sentenciam excommunicacionis promul-
gabunt in omnes illos tam testes quam alios qui odio • fauore • prece • vel
precio • seu promissione • vel amore • falsum perbibuerunt super dicto
negocio testimonium • vel falsitatem fecerint seu fieri procurauerint • Et ter-
minabitur istud arbitrium ante Pentecosten anni gracie • millesimi ducen-
tesimi • quinquagesimi quinti • nisi interim pax inter partes possit refor-
mari • Et sciendum quod predicte partes obligauerunt se prefato arbitrjo •
secundum formam superius prenominatam • sub pena centum librarum sol-
uendarum a parte ab arbitrio resiliente parti volenti arbitrium obseruare •
Sciendum eciam quod predicte partes subiecerunt se iurisdictioni Episcopi
arbitri superioris ut idem Episcopus possit partem resilientem ab arbitrio
per sentenciam suspensionis excommunicacionis et interdicti • compeUere
penam soluere commissam parti volenti arbitrium obseruare • In cuius rei

340 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

testimonium confecta sunt duo instrumenta idem de verbo ad verba contin-
encia • quorum unum signatum sigillo doraini Episcopi Aberdonensis et
capituli • residens penes dominum abbatera et conuentum de Abirbrothoc •
et aliud signatum sigillo communi Abbatis et conuentus de Abirbrothoc re-
manet penes predictos dominos Episcopum et capitulum Aberdonensem •

Quod non prejudicet auxilium factum de Tarvays ■' (a. d. 1269.)

Alexander Dei gracia Rex Scottorum omnibus [<?<c.] Sciatis quod volu-
mus et concedimus Abbati et conuentui de Abirbrothoc quod ilium auxi-
lium quod homines sui de Tarvays nobis hac vice de gracia prestiterunt eis
in preiudicium vel grauamen cedere non valeat in futurum • In cuius rei
testimonium has nostras literas fieri fecimus patentes • Testibus • Alexan-
dre Curayn comite Buchanie • Willelmo comite de Marr • Roberto de
Bruys comite de Karryk • Willelmo Cumyn de Kelbryd • Symone Era-
ser • Apud Hadington • primo die Augusti • Anno regni nostri • xxvj° .

Notandum de libertate regalitatis monasterij de Abbirbrothoc • - (a. d.
1300.)

Anno gracie • m" • cc" • nonagesimo nono ■ in festo Carniprivij • coram
Domino Jobanne Cumyn comite de Buchan tunc justiciario Scocie • ipso
tenente placita sui officij juxta • castrum de Abirden • in loco qui dicitur •
Castelsyd • et calumpniante ibidem • Adam dictum de Festo • et quatuor
homines tunc manentes in terra Abbatis de Abbirbrothoc • de Tulielt apud
Tarvays • videlicet • de indictamento furti vaccarum et bidentum • Jo-
hannes de PoUok • tunc Senescallus Abbatis et conuentus de Abbirbro-
thoc • vovebat ipsos tanquam homines dicti Abbatis • et habuit eos ad cu-
riam regalitatis de Tarvays • quia manebant in dicta terra • de Tulielt •
tanquam in forcerio illius regalitatis de Tarvays • Hiis presentibus dicto
die • videlicet • Domino Henrico le Chen episcopo Aberdonensi • Do-
mino • J • comite Atholie tunc vicecomite de Aberden • Dominis • W •
de Melgdrum ■ Waltero de Berkelay • Duncano de Ferendrach ■ Henrico
fratre • Johanne Flemyng • Thoma de Monimusk ■ Patricio de Sancto
Michaele ■ ViTalrano de Normanuilla • Andrea de Raath • militibus ■ Cris-
tino • judice • et multis aliis •

1 [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

2 [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— TARVES. 341

Carta Regis Roberti de terra de Taruays in regalitate •' (a.d. 1313.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum / omnibus \_etc.'\ Sciatis nos pro salute
anime nostra et pro salute aniraarum omnium predecessorum et successorum
nostrorum Regum Scocie • dedisse [etcl Deo • et Beate Marie Virgini et
Sancto Thome Martiri • et monasterio de Abbirbrothoc • ac abbati et
monachis ibidem Deo et Sancto Thome seruientibus et inperpetuum serui-
turis • omnes terras quas habent et tenent ■ cum furca et fossa • socco et
sacca • toll et them • et infangendthef • et aliis iustis pertinenciis suis •
infra parochiam de Taruays • de dono bone memorie Domini Alexandri
Regis • filij Willelmi quondam Regis Scocie • in libertates que sequuntur •
videlicet • Quod abbas et monachi loci supradicti decetero habeant et te-
neant ac possideant • omnes terras predictas cum pertinenciis in puram et
perpetuam regalitatem adeo libere • et quiete • plenarie • et honorifice • si-
cut aliquas terras suas infra regnum nostrum Scocie / de dono bone memorie
Domini Willelmi Regis Scocie fundatoris monasterij predicti / liberius ■
quiecius ■ plenius • et honorificencius in regalitate hactenus tenuerunt vel
tenent seu tenere poterint in futurum • Volumus quoque et concedimus /
quod dicti abbas et monachi decetero liberi sint et quieti a secta curie
quam hactenus facere et inuenire solebant pro dictis terris ad curiam nos-
tram de Aberden • et liberi sint et quieti de una marca quam hactenus
soluere consueuerunt annuatim burgo de Fyuyn pro thelonio ■ Concedimus
eciam quod dicte terre et habitantes in eis liberi sint ab omnimodis prisis
seu capsionibus • carriagiis • talagiis • seu exaccionibus aliis • per nos vel
heredes nostros seu quoscunque alios de regno nostro imponendis seu
exigendis • Saluo nobis et heredibus nostris in exercitu nostro tanturamodo
seruicio de dictis terris debito et consueto tempore bone memorie ■ Domini
Alexandri Regis Scocie predecessoris nostri • et oracionibus dictorum
monachorum • pro omnibus aliis que de dictis terris exigi poterint in
futurum • Volumus eciam et concedimus quod dicti abbas et monachi •
et eorum balliui nomine suo • curiam regalitatis habeant et teneant in
terris predictis de omnibus loquelis spectantibus ad regalitatem • sicut
curiam regalitatis apud Abbirbrothoc • liberius • quiecius • et honori-
ficencius • hactenus tenuerunt seu tenere poterint in futurum • Firmiter
prohibentes ne quis de regno nostro dictos abbatem seu monachos • vel

' [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

342 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

incolas predictarum terrarum • contra banc donacionem et concessionem
nostram aliquatenus grauare presumat iniuste / super nostram plenariam
forisfacturam . Mandamus insuper et firmiter precipimus justiciarijs •
vicecomitibus • prepositis • et eorum balbuis quod dictos religiosos et
eorum bomines in libertatibus supradictis nomine nostro manuteneant et
defendant • In cuius rei testimonium presenti carte nostre sigillum nos-
trum precepimus apponi . Testibus . venerabiUbus patribus • Henrico Ab-
birdonense . David Morauiense • et Johanne Brechynense • Dei gracia
episcopis ■ Edwardo de Bruys domino Galwydie dilecto fratre nostro •
David comite Atholie constabulario nostro Scocie • Willelmo comite
Rossie . Thoma Ranulphi comite Morauie nepote nostro . Malcolmo
comite de Leuenax • et Roberto de Keth marescallo nostro Scocie •
apud Fontem Scocie • xxvj° • Februarij die • anno regni nostri • Septimo ■

Transumptum carte date per Johannem abbatem / de oiEcio de Rethy de
Terwas- ' (a. d. 1380, et a.d. 1463.)

In Dei nomine • Amen • [e^c] Cunctis pateat euidenter quod anno incar-
nacionis Dominice millesimo quadringentesimo sexagesimo tercio ■ mensis
vero Decembris die septima • [etc.'] In mei notarii public! \_etc.'] presen-
cia / personaliter constitutus prouidus vir Thomas Ranyson laicus commor-
ans in villa de Bogfocbil / infra parochiam de Tarwas / Aberdonensis dio-
cesis • quandam cartam [etc.] michi notario publico subscripto tradidit perle-
gendam transumendam [etc.] Cuiusquidem carte tenor sequitur et est talis ■
Omnibus [etc.] Johannes permissione diuina Abbas monasterij de Aber-
brotboc et eiusdem loci conuentus [etc.] Salutem • Nouerit uniuersitas
vestra nos dedisse [etc.] Thorae de Lothane • et heredibus suis de corpore
suo procreatis et procreandis • officium de Rethy nostri de Terwas •
Tenendum et habendum eisdem Thome et heredibus suis de nobis et suc-
cessoribus nostris / cum omnibus commoditatibus aisiamentis ac iustis pertin-
enciis suis in perpetuum • scilicet • cum bladis farrine et cassiis • In cuius rei
testimonium / has literas nostras sigillo communi capituli nostri sigillatas
fieri fecimus patentes • apud Aberbrothoc • sexto die mensis Septembris •
anno gracie • millesimo tricentesimo octuagesimo • Super quibus [etc.] dic-
tus Thomas a me [etc.] per modum transumpti sibi fieri petiit publicum
[etc.] instrumentum [etc.] Acta erant hec infra ecclesiam cathedralem

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— TARVES. 343

Aberdonensem in capella Beati Michaelis Archangeli ■ hora quasi undeci-
ma ante meridiem • sub anno die mense indiccione et pontificatus preno-
tatis • Presentibus honorabilibus et prouidis viris Willelmo Hoeldyny de
eodem / Duncano Schanchar de Murcroft / Andrea Cathock / Willelmo
Archibaldi / scutiferis • ad premissa vocatis pariter et rogatis.

Et ego Thomas Ettale presbyter Aberdonensis Diocesis publicus aueto-
ritate etc ■

Perambulacio facta inter terras de Tarwas et Uldnay ■ ' (a. d. 1417.)

Controuersia temporibus transactis ac a magno tempore preteritis agitata
diu ac ventulata inter reuerendos patres dominos Abbates monasterij de
Aberbrothoc [etc.'] et ejusdem loci conuentum ex parte una / super liraitibus
ac diuisis terrarum dominij de Tarwas predictorum dominorum Abbatis et
conuentus • ac dominum de Uldnay / super limitibus ejusdem vicecomitatus
Abirdonensis ex altera / laboribus magnis et expensis partibus passis mul-
tociens et fatigatis • • Tandem cursu temporis per reuerendum in Christo
patrem Dominum Walterum Paniter Abbatem predicti monasterij et ejus-
dem loci conuentum / breue perambulacionis de capella Domini Regis
obtento et impetrato / ac Domino Alexandre de Forbes domino ejusdem
justiciario ilia de causa specialiter assignato ac deputato / ut per dictum breue
publice constabat et manifeste • • Demum per nobilem virum et potentem
Dominum Walterum Lindesay vicecomitem de Abirden et ministros suos /
ut per preceptum speciale per excellentissimum Principem Robertum ducem
Albanie tunc gubernatorem Scocie in mandatis habuit / barones viri nobi-
les et proceres vicecomitatus ejusdem hac de causa citati et legittime mo-
niti certo die / videlicet / die Lune cum continuacione dierum • vicesimo
secundo die mensis Nouembris • anno Domini millesimo ■ cccc° ■ decimo
septimo • eisdem ac partibus assignato supra terram de qua supra / coram
justiciario predicto personaliter comparere ac ibidem interesse videre / de-
terminare / audire eciam subire / quid ordo juris requireret et postularet • •
Die vero prenotato justiciarius personaliter presens et pro tribunal! sedens /
presentibus baronibus viris nobilibus ac multis aliis vicecomitatus predicti /
partibus vocatis ac personaliter comparentibus / breue suum fecit perlegi •
et quo perlecto bine inde racionibus utriusque partis et allegacionibus auditis
et consideratis / per hos ambulatores infra scriptos barones discretes viros

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

344 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

nobiles et potentes / ac per justiciarum specialiter electos magno juramento
interueniente / videlicet / Dominum Henricum de Prestoun dominum de
Fermartyne • Alexandrum de Irwyne dominum Foreste de Drum /
Thomam Brysbane dominum de Latiieris / Willelmum de Meldrum do-
minum ejusdem / Johannem de Ogyston dominum ejusdem / Robertum
Matilland dominum de Scbewes / Dauid de Wynton dominum de Handot /
Andream de Turyne dominum de Fowern / Willelmum Rede dominum
de Ranyston / Fhilippum de Dunbrek dominum ejusdem / Philippum de
Craufurd dominum de Fethray / Thomam de Gardyn dominum de Bad-
whase / Johannem de Dalgarnowch dominum de Fintre / Alexandrum
Fraser de Percew / Alexandrum de Abircrumby de Cubardy / Johannem
Bisset / Willelmum Burnet / et Willelmum de Spensa • Qui quidem am-
bulatores predicto die / quasi ab hora causarum / marchias utriusque partis
considerantes prospicientes et videntes ac in materia usque ad solis occasum
laborantes / propter noctem superuenientem decreuerunt ac ordinauerunt
materiam sine negocium subjectum cum effectu continuari usque in crasti-
num • partibus presentibus ac multis aliis ibidem congregatis omnibus pub-
lice hoc denunciando ■ • Crastino vero die predictis ambulatoribus super pre-
dictam terram comparentibus / partibus presentibus multis aliisque diuersis
audientibus et videntibus / per limites et diuisas subnotatas in hunc modum
et formam decreuerunt / videlicet • • Incipiendo ex parte orientali ville de
Cowle / ad caput unius le leche / ubi terra domini de Cumyrnald / terra
domini de Uldny / et terra dominorum Abbatis et conuentus de Aber-
brotboc / quasi simul conjuncte sunt et connexe • et sic discendendo per
illud le lecche et puteum rugientem usque ad riuulum de Brony / ascenden-
do versus occidentem usque ad vadum Capelle Christi / et tunc versus aus-
trum per matricem le leche antiquum locum circumeuntem et in riuulum de
Brony transeuntem et finientem / et sic versus orientem versus le paruum
lecche usque ad nigrum vadum / et sic per le matricem lecche ex parte
boreali de Kylmurwhane et Ordinkabir / directe ascendendo per le matri-
cem lecche usque ad lapidem curuantem sine inclinantem / Anglice low-
tand stane / ex parte boreali tofti fabrilis • • Et ad omnia et singula ut supra-
dictum est fideliter sine fraude et cauillacione aliqua obseruanda / et in tes-
timonium premissorum / uthec ordinacio futuris temporibus inuiolabiliter ob-
seruetur / sigilla nobilium virorum et potentum / videlicet / Domini Alex-
andri de Forbas domini ejusdem tunc in hac causa justiciarij deputati •
Domini Henrici de Prestoun domini de Fermartyn • Alexandri de Irwyne

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON—TARVES. 345

doraini Foreste de Drum • Thome Brysbane domini de Latherys • Andree
Turyne domini de Fouerne • WUlelmi de Meldrum domini ejusdem ■
Johannis de Ogiston domini ejusdem • Roberti Matilland domini de
Schewes ■ Dauid de Wynton domini de Handot ■ Philippi de Dunbrek
domini ejusdem ■ Philippi de Crawfurd domini de Fethray • huic scripto
sunt appensa • • Acta die et loco supradictis i

Resignacio terrarum de Auchneif per Dominum Alexandrum Forbas do-
minum eiusdem •' (a. d. 1434.)

V enerabili in Christo patri ac domino • Domino Waltero permissione
diuina Abbati monasterij Sancti Thome Martiris de Abbirbrothoc • et
eiusdem loci conuentui • dominis suis precharissimis • Dominus Alexander
Forbas dominus eiusdem vaster humilis / reuerenciam debitam et honorem •
Ego Alexander predictus non vi aut metu ductus [etc.'] sed mea libera et
spontanea voluntate • omnes et singulas terras de Aughneue / cum pertin-
enciis / iacentes in regalitate vestra de Taruas infra vicecomitatum de
Aberdein • quas de vobis teneo in capite • in manus vestras per fustem et
baculum [etc.'] pure et simpliciter sursum reddo [etc.'] Pro qua resigna-
cione [etc.] facio [ etc.] dilectos meos et speciales Johannem de Gardyn
dominum de Borowfeld ■ et Johannem Plenamour dominum de Anestoun •
coniunctim et diuisim meos actornatos [etc.] ■ In cuius rei testimonium si-
gillum meum presentibus est appensum / apud Aberden primo die mensis
Julij ■ anno Dominj • millesimo quadringentesimo ■ Tricesimo Quarto ■

Recepcio warde terrarum de Auchneif / seu pocius concessio eiusdem
warde / Domino Jacobo Forbas de eodem militi / ^ (a. d. 1454.)

Ricardus permissione diuina Abbas monasterii Sancti Thome Martiris de
Abirbrothoc / et eiusdem loci conuentus ■ Salutem in Domino sempiternam •
Sciatis nos dedisse [etc.] dilecto nostro Domino Jacobo Forbas de eodem
militi / heredibus suis et suis assignatis / wardam nostram de Auchnef
vacantem per mortem Mariote Meldrum domine eiusdem / sponse quondam
Willelmi de Seton ■ donee et quousque filius et heres / vel filia / domine
antedicte ad legittimam peruenerit etatem • pro certa summa pecunie pre
manibus persoluta / de qua tenemus nos bene contentos et pacatos ■ Saluis

' [From the Registruni Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrotboc, MS.]
'^ [From the same.]

346 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

iex solidis et octo denariis annui redditus de Auchnef nobis annuatim de-
liitis • In cuius rei testimonium sigillum commune capituli nostri presenti-
bus est appensum • Apud monasterium nostrum predictum • vicesimo die
mensis Maij ■ anno Domini millesimo • cccc° • quinquagesimo Quarto.

Auchneif limites • '

In the first begynnand at the myr rynnand to the syd of Romakendel /
descendand down the law to the sygen callit Ardebuk / of the vest part of
the samen marchand wyt the land of Cremont and the lard of Petcapyl •

Instrumentum super perambulacione inter terras de Taruas et Uldeny / et
renunciatione iuris in eisdem per Willelmum de Uldny de eodem • ^
(a, d. 1457.)

In Dei nomine ■ Amen • Per hoc presens publicum instrumentum cunctis
pateat euidenter quod anno ab incarnacione Eiusdem millesimo quadringen-
tesimo quinquagesimo septimo • mensis vero Nouembris die septima •
Indictione sexta • pontificatus sanctissimi in Christo patris et domini nostri
Domini Calisti diuina prouidencia pape tercii anno tercio • In mei notarii
publici et testium subscriptorum presencia personaliter constitutus honora-
bilis vir Willelmus de Uldny de eodem ■ et / ut asseruit / recognouit se
veraciter intellexisse per inspectionem / et per lecturam / certarum littera-
rum decreti / et determinacionis / diuersorum nobilium et honorabilium
virorum / alias super assisa perambulacionis coram iusticiario Domini nostri
Regis in tempore virtute breuis perambulacionis procedentis • super peram-
bulacione rectarum metarum et diuisarum inter terras de Uldny / tunc tem-
poris pertinentes suo antecessori Patricio de Uldny de eodem / ex parte
una ■ et terras de Taruas / tunc venerabili in Christo patri Valtero
permissione diuina Abbati monasterii de Abirbrothoc / et conuentui eius-
dem / pertinentes ex parte altera • Quod omnes terre debatabiles inter
dictas partes que / per antecessores suos et ipsum / erant vendicate ad se
tanquam terre de Uldny pertinere • domino Abbati et conuentui • per
decretum et determinacionem dicte assise / secundum metas in suis litteris
antedictis contentas / pertinebant et de presenti eis pleno iure et non sibi
ut cetere terre de Taruas dinoscuntur pertinere • Quare / ut idem Willel-

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoci MS.]
' [From the same.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— TARVES. 347

raus asseruit / ad euadendum periculum anime sue • et animarum anteces-
sorum et successorum suorum • propter sua demerita penes Deum abbates
et conuentum dicti raonasterii in debatabili questione predictarum terrarum
retroactis temporibus iniuste perpetrata et oflFensa • omne clameum om-
nemque possessionem et vendicationem earundem / pro se et heredibus suis
imperpetuum / venerabili in Christo patri Malcomo permissione diuina
Abbati monasterii predicti / et conuentui eiusdem / penitus renunciauit •
[e<c.] Super quibus omnibus et singulis prefatus venerabilis pater Maleo-
mus Abbas dicti monasterii sibi / et conuentui eiusdem / fieri petiit pub-
licum iustrumentum per me notarium publicum subscriptura • Acta fuerunt
hec in camera pretorii burgi de Aberden • hora quasi meridiana • sub anno ■
mense • die • Indiccione • et pontificatu predictis • Presentibus ibidem
honorabilibus et prouidis viris • Willelmo de Uchtirlowny domino de
Kelle ■ Waltero Stewart domino de Munes • Patricio de Gardyn de
eodem • Magistro David Guthry de Kyncaldrum • Jacobo de Guthrv
fratre sue • Rycardo de Kyntor burgense de Abirden • Thoma Brown et
Thoma Ranison • cum multis aliis • [e^c]

Sequitur subscriptio notarii ■ Et ego David Reid clericus Sancti Andree
diocesis publicus auctoritate Imperiali notarius [e<c.]

Post quarum quidem litterarum presentacionem recepcionem lecturam et
examinacionem / Idem vicecomes ac iudex in hac parte auctoritatem suam
apposuit • [etc^ In signum cuius sigillum suum huic presenti transumpto /
sine instrumento / gracia testimonii apponi fecit / una cum appensione
sigillorum officialiatus de Abirden • et communitatis burgi de Abirden /
[e<c.] Acta erant hec in pretorio prefati burgi de Abii-den / in curia vice-
comitis eiusdem / hora quasi decima ante meridiem / sub anno • die ■
mense • et pontificatu • et Indiccione • quibus supra • Presentibus honora-
bilibus et circumspectis viris Ranaldo Chen • Johanne Pytmethan domino
eiusdem • Magistro Alexandro Waus prebendario de Dulmayok in ecclesia
cathedrali Abirdonensi ac officiali eiusdem • Alexandro Chalmer preposito
burgi de Abirden • Rycardo Kyntor / Alexandro Blyndsel / David Sy-
monis / et Alexandro Howyson burgensibus dicti burgi ■ cum multis aliis

Et ego Robertus Leis presbyter Abirdonensis diocesis publicus aucto-
ritate Imperiali notarius [etcJ]

Et ego Johannes Guthyn presbiter Sancti Andree diocesis publicus
auctoritate Imperiali notarius [etc.']

348 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Instrumentum de perambulacione facienda super terris debatabilibus inter
Terwas at Meldrum-' (a. d. 1469.)

In Dei nomine Amen • Per hoc presens publicum instrumentum cunctis
pateat euidenter • quod anno incarnationis Dominice millesimo quadrin-
gentesimo sexagesimo nono • Indictione secunda • pontificatus sanctis-
simi in Christo patris et domini nostri Domini Pauli diuina prouidencia
pape secundi anno quinto • die vero mensis Julij sexto • In nobilium ac
potentum dominorum meique notarij publici et testium subscriptorum
presencia personaliter constituti • venerabilis in Christo pater Malcomus
miseracione diuina Abbas monasterij Sancti Thome Martiris de Aliir-
brothoc ordinis Sancti Benedicti Sancti Andree diocesis / ex una • et
honorabilis vir Alexander Seyton dominus de Meldrum / partibus ab
altera • penes quasdam controuersias et debatas super terris debatabi-
libus inter easdem partes motis indesisis / iacentibus inter terras baronie
de Taruas / predicto Abbati et conuentui de Abirbrothoc pertinentis • et
dorainii de Meldrum / predicto Alexandro spectantis • Quiquidem Abbas /
nomine sui et sui conuentus / a dicto Alexandro restitucionem quarundem
segitum peciit / quas asseruit ipsum Alexandrum de dictis terris debata-
bilibus alias minus iuste abstulisse et alienasse / qua peticione audita /
et racioni consona considerata / ipse Alexander ad dictas terras debata-
biles una cum dicto Abbate multisque aliis accessit • et super eodem fundo
pillium suum cum le typpat per modum reductionis dictarum segitum /
nomineque restitucionis earundem / sicut premittitur per ipsum ablata-
rum propria manu deposuit et restituit ■ Deinde ambe partes supradicte
se unanimi consensu et assensu veraciter consensierunt uni breui peram-
bulacionis dictarum terrarum a Supremi Domini nostri Regis capella
emanando sine excepcione [eic] Et ad hoc obseruandum inuiolabiliter una
pars alteri bine inde fidem prestitit dextris extensis • Super quibus omni-
bus et singulis prelibatus Abbas a me notario publico sibi fieri peciit pub-
licum instrumentum / seu publica instrumenta • Acta erant hec in dictis
terris debatabilibus sub anno die mense Indiccione et pontificatu quibus
supra / hora quasi undecima ante meridiem • Presentibus nobilibus et
honorabilibus dominis Georgeo domino le Gordon • Willelmo domino
le Forbes • Alexandro domino de Pitslego • Alexandro Forbes dompno

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— TARVES. 349

de Tochon • et Thoma Hogston • testibus cum multis aliis ad preniissa
vocatis pariter et rogatis •

Et ego Johannes Guthyn presbiter Sancti Andree diocesis publicus
auctoritate Imperiali notarius \_etc.']

Carta Willelmi de Uldny domini eiusdem / terrarum in baronia de Tar-
uays-' (a. d. 1469.)

Uniuersis et singulis pateat per presentes / nos Malcomum permissione
diuina Abbatem monasterij Sancti Thome Martiris de Abirbrothok
[e?e.] et conuentum ejusdem [etc.'] dedisse \_etc.'\ dilecto nostro armi-
gero Willelmo de Uldny domino ejusdem / pro se et heredibus suis et
assignatis • totas et integras illas terras nostras cum pertinenciis jacentes
infra vicecomitatum de Abirden in baronia de Taruas / infra regalitatera
nostram de Abirbrothok / inter le came de Kilmortban ex parte occi-
dentali • et nigrum vadum ex parte orientali • et a le carne de Kilmor-
tban ex linea recta extendente usque ad riuolum de Brone versus austrum •
et ab eodem le carne per lineam rectam extendentera usque ad le matricem
lech versus boream • Tenendas [_etc.'] de nobis et successoribus nostris in
feodo et hereditate [e<c.] Salua nobis et successoribus regalitate nostra •
Reddendo [efc] annuatim quatuor denarios usualis monete Scocie [etc.l
nomine albe firme super fundum dictarum terrarum si petatur • Faciendo
eciam tres sectas ad tres curias nostras capitales annuatim tenendas
apud Killmorthan / vel aliubi / infra baroniam de Taruas / tantum
pro omni alio seruicio seculari [e<e.] In cujus rei testimonium sigillum com-
mune capituli nostri presentibus est appensum ■ Apud monasterium nostrum
de Abirbrothok / vicesimo secundo die mensis Septembris • Anno Domini
raillesimo quadringentesimo sexagesimo nono ■

Assedacio terrarum de Bogfoichell - (a. d. 1484.)

Uniuersis sancte matris ecclesie filiis [efc] Villelmus permissione diuina
Abbas monasterij de Abirbrothoc et ejusdem loci conuentus [etc,'] • eter-
nam in Domino salutem • Noueritis nos [etc.] assedasse et ad firmam di-
misisse [etc.] dilectis nostris Johanni Robertson / Villelmo Robertson filio
BUD / et Margarete sponse sue moderne diet! Villelmi / suisque coadjutori-
bus • totas et integras terras villarum nostrarum de Bogfochil • et Auch-
leck ■ cum decimis garbalibus earundem villarum • et aliis suis pertinenciis

' [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]
2 [From the same.]

2 Y

350 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

quibuscunque jacentes infra baroniam nostram de Terwes • pro toto
tempore vite dictorum Johannis / Villelrai / et Margarete sponse Villelmi
predicti / eorumque diucius viuentis / conjunctim et diuisim / pro suis
gratitudinibus raultimodis seruiicisque et laboribus pro communi bono mo-
nasterij impensis • et signanter pro summa centum librarum usualis monete
Scocie / nobis in pecunia numerata tempore confectionis presencium gra-
tanter et bene soluta / ac in usus et utilitatem loci nostri conuersa [efc] ■
Soluendo inde annuatim dicti Johannes / Villelmus / et Margareta sponsa
Villelmi / eorumque diucius viuens / nobis et successoribus nostris / pro
terris ville nostre de Bogfochil • sex libras • et pro decimis garbalibus ejus-
dem ville / quinquaginta tres solidos et quatuor denarios • et pro firma
dicte ville de Auchlek / quatuor libras • et pro decimis garbalibus ejusdem
ville / quinquaginta tres solidos et quatuor denarios usualis monete
regni Scocie [_etc.'] ■ Et quia predictos Johannem et Villelmum cum fratri-
bus nostris ad equitandum et laborandum expensis nostris onerare intendi-
mus ■ ipsos igitur Johannem / Villelmum / et Margaretam ; eorumque
diucius viuentem / suosque subtenentes • de omnibus husbandorura oneribus
et aliis exaccionibus que de dictis nostris terris exigi poterunt / seu requiri /
per nos et successores nostros exoneramus et relaxamus per presentes ■
Volumus autem / et pro nobis et successoribus nostris potestatem concedi-
mus et specialem auctoritatem / dictis Johanni / Villelmo / et Margarete /
eorumque diucius viuenti / coadjutores seu husbandos in hujusmodi terris
nostris de Bogfochil et Auchlek / cum subtenentibus / retinendi ipsosque
subtenentes imponendi et expellendi tocies quocies eis vel eorum alteri
videbitur expediri [eic] • In cujus rei testimonium sigillum commune capi-
tuli nostri / una cum manualibus singulorum confratrum capituli subscrip-
cionibus / est appensum • Apud hujusmodi capitulum sexto die mensis
Februarij • anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo octuagesimo tercio •

Assedacio terrarum de Carnfochil cum molendino de Pettrechyee facta
Willelmo Andree / Elezabeth sponse sue / et Duncano Andree filio
suo •' (a. d. 1484.)

IJniuersis pateat per presentes • nos Villelmum permissione diuina Abbatem
monasterij de Aberbrothoc • et ejusdem loci conuentum • [efc.] assedasse
et ad tirmam dimisisse / dilectis nostris Willelmo Andree • Elezabeth sponse
sue moderne ■ et Duncano Andree filio suo • eorumque diucius viuenti /

■ [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— TARVES. 351

pro toto tempore vita eorundem • et suis coadjutoribus dummodo coadju-
tores illi de consensu nostro recipiantur et admittantur • totas et inteo-ras
terras nostras de Carnfochil cum pertinenciis • una cum garbis decimalibus
earundem / cum molendino de Pettrechyee et suis pertinenciis quibus-
cunque • [etcl Soluendo inde annuatim [etc.^ pro firma et decima dictarum
terrarum / octo libras tresdecira solidos et • iiij • denarios usualis monete
Scocie [etc.'] Et pro firma dicti molendini / quatuor libras [e<c.] una cum
porco pasto / aut sex solidis et octo denariis / cum duodecim caponibus ■
Et quando prefatus Willelmus et Duncanus suique coadjutores premonitus
seu premoniti fuerit seu fuerint / laborabunt seu laborabit nobiscum ut
decet capiendo le browch de curia / prout alii de consuetudine capiunt seu
capit • Ideo predicti Willelmus Elezabeth et Duncanus / suique coadju-
tores / pro toto tempore vite eorundem / ab omni onere husbandorum libere
erunt exonerati pro nobis et successoribus nostris • [etc.] In cujus rei
testimonium sigillum commune capituli nostri presentibus est appensum /
apud idem capitulum ■ primo die mensis Maij • anno Domini ■ m • cccc • lxxx ■
Quarto •

Assedacio garbarum deciraalium de Breklaw de Terues • ' (a. d. 1484.)

Nos Dauid Abbas monasterij de Abirbrothoc / vnanimi consensu con
uentus et capituli nostri [etc.] assedamus dilecto et fideli nostro / Ade
Crawfurd burgensi de Abyrdeyn / totas decimas garbales ville nostra •
de Breklaw de Teruess ■ cum pertinenciis pro termino et toto tempore vite
dicte Ade / pro suis seruiciis concilio et auxilio monasterio antedicto multi-
pliciter retroactis temporibus impensis • Soluens annuatim dictus Adam
nobis [etc] quatuor libras monete Scocie ad duos anni terminos / festa vide-
licet • Pasche • et Sancti Petri ad vincula • [etc.] Datum sub sigillo com-
muni capituli nostri / apud idem capitulum • xxij • die mensis Junij anno
Domini • 1484 •

Assedacio garbarum decimalium de le Kyrktons in Tarues / ^ (a. d. 1484.)
Nos Dauid Abbas monasterij de Abbyrbrothoc et ejusdem loci conuentus
[etc.] assedamus / et ad firmam dimittimus / dilecto nostro Magistro Wal-

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]
^ [From the same.]

352 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

tero Forbes rectori de Abbotroulle ■ totas et integras decimas garbales
villarum de le Kyrkton de Terwes • de le Kyrktoun de Foichil ' • de Bal-
goue • et de Dargforke • jaeentiura infra parochiam de Tarues / cum suis
justis pertinenciis quibuscunque • pro toto tempore vite dicti Magistri
Walter! sine reuocatione qualicunque • [e^c] Soluens inde annuatlm
dictus Magister Walterus nobis [etc.'] summam duodecim librarum usualis
monete regni Scocie • [etc."] Datum sub sigillo communi capituli
nostri / apud idem capitulum - xx • die mensis Nouembris ■ anno Domini
• 1484 •

Villa de Cowlle assedatur Waltero Lychtone apparent! de Ullyshauyn • ^
(a. d. 1498.)

Uniuersis pateat per presentes nos Dauid Abbatem monasterij de Abbyr-
brotboc • et ejusdem loci conuentum [etc.'] assedasse \_etc.'] dilecto nostro
Waltero Lycbtone apparent! de UUishauin / suisque coadjutoribus et sub-
tenentibus / dummodo non sint majoris status sen condicionis quam ipse
Walterus • totam et iutegram villam nostram de Coulle / cum pertinenciis /
jacentem in baronia nostra de Tarwes • pro terminis decem et nouem
annorum [eic] Soluendo [etc.'] annuatim decem libras usualis monete
regni Scocie [etc.] una cum ryn mart wethir et aliis husbandorum one-
ribus inde debitis et consuetis [etc.] Datum sub sigillo communi capituli
nostri apud idem capitulum • duodecimo die mensis Januarij anno Domini •
millesimo • cccc"° • nonogesimo septimo •

Carta Mariote de Prestoun.^ (a. d. 1420.)

Omnibus [etc.] • Mariota de Prestoun filia et vna de heredibus quondam
Henrici de Prestoun militis dominj de Fermartyne Salutem in Domino
sempiternam • Sciatis me / in mea libera et pura viduitate constitutam / non
vi aut metu ductam / nee errore lapsam / aut aliqua fraudulenta suggestione

' [Between the years 1189 and 1199, Matthew Bishop of Aberdeen confirmed the grant
which had been made to the monks of Arbroath of the church of Tarves, " cum capella
de FuchuU." The same church and chapel were confirmed to the same monks by Bishop
John, between the years 1199 and 1207 ; by Bishop Adam, between the years 1207 and
1228 ; and by the chapter of Aberdeen, between the years 1239 and 1247.]

2 [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

3 [From the original in the charter chest at Wliitehaugh.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— TARVES. 353

circumuentam • set mea mera et spontanea voluntate / mature consilio / et
deliberacione / inde / cum fratribus meis et propinquioribus consanguineis /
et amicis ; ibidem existentibus / prius habitis / et premissis / dedisse [etc.'] ■
Nobili viro Johanni de Forbes / medietatem omnium terrarum .... do-
minij de Ferraartyne cum pertinencijs jacentem in comitatu Buchanie infra
vicecomitatum de Abirden • Tenendam et habendam predicto Johannj de
Forbes / et / nostrorum diucius viuenti • Quibus forte deficientibus / veris /
et legittimis heredibus meis / in feodo et hereditate imperpetuum [efc] •
Reddendo [_etc.'] ■ dominis superioribus / predictarum terrarum cum perti-
nencijs / seruicium debitum et consuetum [e^c] • In cuius rei testimonium
sigillum meum presenti carte mee apposui apud Abirden septirao die mensis
Julij ■ Anno Dominj millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo • Testibus no-
bilibus viris prouidis et discretis / Alexandro de Forbes milite domino
eiusdem • Alexandro de Irwin domino de Drwm / Willelmo de Forbes
domino de Kynnaldy • Alexandro Frasser • domino Johanne Yule rectore
ecclesie de Cultir • domino Hugone de Wellis rectore ecclesie de Durris •
carissimis fratribus meis Roberto et Waltero de Prestoun / Willelmo Cryne
burgense de Abirden cum multis / et diuersis aliis

Licence grantit to wmqubill Williame Forbes of Toquhone for eating of
fleschis remaineing fra wapinschawis oastis and raidis • ' (a. d. 1582.)

James be the grace of God King of Scottis To all oure justices [e^c]
Wit ye ws vnderstanding that Williame Forbes of Tolquhone is sa vexit
and hes bene thir mony yeiris bypast twyiss or thryss at the leist everie yeir
with ane dolour and diseaiss in his ene proceiding be ane distellatioun out
of the held quhilk quhen it fallis continewis sumtyme thre or foure moneth
togidder and sumtyme langar and it is supponit that thairthrow he is abill to
tyne his sicht As alswa that he is vexit with sindrie vtheris grit dolouris in-
firmiteis and seiknes that he is not abill to tak nor sustene ony extraordinar
travell without dainger of his lyif Thairfore and for dyverss vtheris res-
sonabill caussis and consideratiounis mowing ws Have gevin []e<c.] licence to
the said Williame to remane and abyde at hame fi'a all oure oistis, raiddis,
weiris, wappinschawingis, gadderingis, and assembleis quhatsumevir devysit
maid or to be maid be ws oure lieutennentis, wardenis, admirallis, coronellis,
capitaneis, or vtheris quhatsumevir be sey or land within oure realme or out-

' [From the original in the charter chest at Whitehaugh.]

354 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

with the samin in ony tyme cumming And fra all compering or passing
vpoun inqueistis or assyissis in actionis crirainall or ciuile in justice airis,
justice Courtis, perambulationis, chalmerlane airis, or courtis, schirref courtis,
burrow courtis or vtheris And haue exemit and dischargeit Qe^c] him thair-
of bot at his plesour for all the dayis of his lyiftyme And having alswa for-
ther respect and consideratioun of the premissis and to the releif and help
thairof Haue gevin [e<c.] licence to the said Williame Forbes of Tolquhone
to repair hant remane abyde or duell in ony pairt of oure realrae alsweill to
burght as to land quhair as maist commodiouslie he may haue sic thingis as
may serue maist propar and convenient to him for his said diseaiss And to
eit flesche with thre or foure with him in companie in the forbidden tyme
that salhappin to be statute or appointit yeirlie in Lentrowne or in the place
thairof sic vther monethis dayis or oulkis and all vther forbiddin dayis daylie
and oulklie to that effect during all the dayis of his said lyvetyme [^etc.J
Provyiding alwayiss that the said Williame Forbes of Toquhone send ane
of his freindis with his folkis and cumpanie as becumis his degre and estait
to our saidis oistis raidis weiris and wappinschawingis according to oure
vtheris lettres and proclamationis to pas thairvpoun Gevin vnder oure
privie seill At Halyruidhous the aucht day of Februare The yeir of God
jm yc fourescoir ane yeiris And of oure rignne the fyvetene yeir • Per
signaturam manibus ■ S • D • N • Regis ac dominorum sui secretj consilij
subscriptam •

The mortifeit gift of the plenesing guides and geir within the Plac of
Tolquhoun to remaine perpetualie with the ayris • ' (a.d. 1589.)

Be it kend till all quhome it effeiris be thir presentis That forsameikill as
throche the rigorous remowing of insycht plenissing and ornamentis of
houssis be the executouris and barneis of defunct persones wnder the pre-
text and name of mowabil geir thair touris fortaleces houssis and maner
places being desolutt westit and maid emptie of plenissing hes becum alto-
gidder minus befor the same mycht be repairit be the air And that I also
William Forbes of Tolquhone in my awin houssis hes haid sufficient pruifF
that the remowing of sic plenissing wes mair preiudiciall to the air and the
polici of the cuntrie than profitabill to the executouris remoweris of the
same Me therfor and for dywerss wtheris resonabill causis to haif destinatit

' [From the original in the charter chest at Whitehaugh.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— TARVES. 355

gifin and grantit and be thir presentis titulo oneroso disponis gifis grantis
mortifeis and perpetuallie destinatis my haill insycht plenissing furnitour
or ornamentis sic as I presentlie haif within the wallis of my houiss tour and
place of Tolquhone or sail happin to haif the tyme of my deceiss for
necessair wse or plesour within my hallis gallareis chalmeris vardrepe
kitchingis stabillis sellaris lednaris pantreis librellis or wther office houssis
quhatsumewer To abyd and remane with my saidis houssis as pairt and
portioune thairof immowabUl and wnseparabill thairfra and to cum but
diuisioune or diminutioune to my air that sail happin to succeid to my
landis of Tolquhone as pairt and pertenent of his airischipe and in speciall
but preiudice of the generalitie forsaid my haill syluer wark buikis beddino-
tapestrie neprie timmer wark artalyerie wther furnitour insycht and plen-
nising quhatsumewer Quhilk mortificatioune in generall and speciall as said
is I will to abyd but wiolatioune of me or my posteritie in ony tyme heir-
efter And oblissis me and my executouris to warrand the same guid and
walyeabill to my airis succeidand to my saidis landis and hwing and thair
airis in all tyms cuming [etc.'] In witnes quhairof I haif subscrywit thir
presentis with my hand to the quhilk also my seill is affixit at Abirdene the
third day of December the yeir of God ane thowsand fyw hundrethe four-
scoir and nyne yeiris Befor witnes Maisteris Johnne and Patrik Cheyne
aduocatis in Abirdene Maister Thomas Gardyne comissar dark Maister
Thomas Mollysone toun dark of Abirdene Johnne Patrik and Walter
Forbessis my sonis •

William Forbes off Tolquhone with my hand

Contirmacio carte Ricardi de Kynnarde • ' (a. d. 1397.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum • Omnibus [etc.'] Sciatis nos appro-
basse [etc.] donacionem illam et concessionem quas dilectus filius noster
Thomas de Haya constabularius noster Scocie • fecit et concessit dilecto
et fideli nostro Ricardo de Kynnarde de terris de Chethynrawache et de
Kynnynmonde cum fortiris cum pertinenciis • in baronia de Slainis • in-
fra vicecomitatum de Abirdene • [etc.] In cuius rei testimonium [^etc.J
Testibus [etc.] Apud Perthe vltimo die Septembris ■ anno regni nostri •

1 [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 131.]

356 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Confirmacio carte Allani de Kynard de eodem • ' (a.d. 1457 et a.d. 1471.)

Omnibus [eic] Willelmus comes de Erole dominus de Haya et Consta-
bularius Scocie salutem letc.'] Nouerltis nos quandam cartam honorabilis
viri Allani Kynnard de eodem factam dilecto auunculo nostro Willelmo
de Haya domino de Ury [etc.'] intellexisse in plenum sub hac forma • •
Omnibus [etc.'] Alanus de Kynard dominus eiusdem Salutem [etc.] Nouerit
uniuersitas vestra me impignorasse et nomine veri pignoris dimississe [^etc.2
nobili viro Willelmo de Haya de Ury totas terras meas de Litil Arnag
cum molendino earundem / terras meas de Schethynrawestone / et terras
meas de Cragy cum pertinentiis / jacentes in baronia de Slainis infra vice-
comitatum de Aberdene • pro sexcentis marcis usualis monete Scocie
[etc.] In cuius rei testimonium presenti scripto meo sigillum meum est
appensum • Apud burgum de Aberdene presentibus testibus subscriptis /
sexto die mensis Octobris / anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quin-
quagesimo septimo • Testibus Alexandro Ogston de eodem / Ricardo Vaus
de Many ; armigeris • Johanna de Fyffe preposito dicti burgi [etc.] • ■
QuAMQUiDEM douacionem [etc.] in perpetuum confirmamus • In cuius rei
testimonium presenti carte nostre confirmacionis sigillum nostrum apponi
fecimus / apud castrum nostrum de Slainis • decimo quinto die mensis
Marcii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo septuagesimo • Hiis
testibus Waltero de Haya / magistro David de Haya / magistro Thoma de
Haya / auunculis nostris ■ Willelmo de Haya de Dronlaw / Alexandro Tul-
lidefF de eodem / Alexandro Drumbrek de eodem ; Ricardo Vaus de
Fyndon / David Straton / Alexandro de Hay / Gilberto de Hay [etc] ■ ]

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines. On the twenty-fifth of January, 1493,
there was an " actioun and causs persewit be Elizabeth Vgistoune, the dochter and are of
vmquhile Walter Vgistoune of That like aganis Arthure Forbes of Rerass William Cumyn
of Inueralochquhy Alexander Johnesone of That Ilk Johne Turing of Foverne and certane
vtheris personis quhilkis past apone the seruing of a brief of inquest of our Souerane Lordis
chapell impetrait be Elezabeth Hay be the decess of vmquhile William Hay of Vry apone
the landis of Rawstoune and Cragy Hand within the schirefdoume of Abirdene for thair er-
rour and wrangis deliuerance in the seruing of the said brief." (Acta Dominorum Concilii,
p. 266.)]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— UDNY. 357

UDNY.

^DNY church, built about A. D. m.dc.v.,' is dedi-
'f cated to Jesus Christ. The Bishop of Aberdeen
^' is the patron, yet Udny pretends.
% Saint Michael's, at Tulligrig. Chappei?

h< , at DUMBRECK.

J'^'^ Udny, an old castle,- and formerly, (though now Mannour:
-t'J neglected,) the seat of the chief of that name.^ His
arms are, two gray-hounds, with a stag's head above, all betwixt
three flcnrs-de-lis ; crest, a fleur-de-lis : supporters, two savages ;
motto, " All my hope is in God."

PiTRiCHiE, the seat of Maitland^ of Pitrichie, the eldest cadet of

1 [" The parish of Udny was an erection from the neighbouring parislies of Logie
Buchan, Ellon, Tarves, and Foveran, in the end of the sixteenth, or beginning of the seven-
teenth century. One estate pays stipend to the minister of Logie Buchan, and five estates
to the minister of Ellon ; a full evidence that these estates were taken otF these two
parishes." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. iv., p. 156. Edinb. 1792.) " Udny was
erected into a parish by act of Parliament, passed on the nineteenth of December, 1597,
entitled ' Ratification, ane act anent Christis Kirk of Udny,' [Acts Pari. Scot., vol. iv., p.
157.] being separated from the parishes of Ellon, Tarves, Logie Buchan, and Foveran."
(New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxv., p. 131. Edinb. 1840.) See also,
number xxxix. p. 800. Edinb. 1842 ; and above, pp. 312, 344, 352.]

- [" Its dimensions are, length, outside, forty-six feet ; inside, twenty-eight feet ;
breadth, outside, thirty-five feet ; inside, seventeen feet ; height, seventy-one feet. The
walls are thick enough to admit of bed-closets within them. The two under stories are
vaulted, the upper one of which contains a spacious hall, the whole length and breadth of
the castle. It is neatly floored, or rather pavemented, with oblong hexagonal granites,
very neatly joined : Its height to the top of the arch is about twenty feet. The castle is
said to have been the work of three successive proprietors. One built the two under stories,
or the vaulted work ; the next completed the walls ; and the third put on the roof." (New
Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxv., p. 132.)]

' [In the year 1449, John of Fyffe, the receiver of the King's rents, in the shires of Aber-
deen and Banf, accounts in exchequer, " pro secundis decimis debitis Domino Episcopo Aber-
donensi de relevio terrarum de Uldny per saisinam datam Reginaldo de Uldny . . . xxvj
solidi . viij denarii." (Pinkerton's History of Scotland, vol. i., p. 485.)]

* [A short poem by " Patrieke Maitlan, of Karnfeichell and Achincriue," " in meiuorie

2 z

358 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

that name. Under King Robert III., Robert, son to Robert Mait-
land of Thirlstane, (represented now by Lauderdale,) married the
heiress of Gight, and, after having long possessed that estate, came
at last to settle here.

PiTMEDDEN, the Seat of Seton of Pitmedden, baronnet since A.D.
M.Dc.Lxxxiii. ; whose father. Sir Alexander,' was a Lord of Session,

of the right reverend Patrick Forbes, late Lord Bishop of Abirdene," is printed in Bishop
Forbes' Funeralls, p. 408.

Sir Richard Maitland of Pitrichie, the son of this gentleman, " to whom he was served
hcii- on the twelfth of July, 1643, was knighted, and admitted an Ordinary Lord of Session
on the fourteenth of December, 1671. He died on the twenty-second of February, 1677-"
(Haig and Brunton's Historical Account of the Senators of the College of Justice, p. 401.)
Sir Richard is said to have written " a book of select Poems." (Maidment's Catalogues of
Scotish Writers, p. 100.)]

' [" He was admitted advocate on the tenth of December, 1661, and received the honour
of knighthood from King Charles II. in 1664. He was nominated an Ordinary Lord of Ses-
sion on the thirty-first of October, 1677, on the demise of Sir Richard Maitland of Pitrichie,
and took his seat as Lord Pitmedden on the thirteenth of November following. He was also
admitted a Lord of Justiciary on the fifth of July, 1682. His lordship represented the
county of Aberdeen in parhament in 1681, 1685, and 1686, and gave deep ofience by the
boldness with which he there opposed the measures of government. King James VII. was
then anxiously soliciting a repeal of the test and penal laws ; and of nine judges who held
seats in parhament, Pitmedden was the only one who dared to oppose the Royal will ; and
the independence of his conduct was soon visited with the loss of office. On the twelfth of
May, 1686, during the sitting of parliament, a letter was directed to the court, intimating
that, ' for reasons known to our selfe, wee have thought fit to remove Sir Alexander Seaton
of Pitmedden, from being one of the Senators of our College of Justice, and wee doe there-
fore authorise and require you to cause make the necessary intimation thereof to all con-
cerned.' He was at the same time removed from the Court of Justiciary. At the Revolu-
tion, Sir Alexander Seton declined being re-appointed a judge, holding this to be incon-
sistent with the oath of allegiance which he had taken to King James VII. ; and, retiring
into private life, died at a very advanced age in 1719- His lordship, according to Wodrow,
possessed a vast and curious library. He published an edition of Sir George Mackenzie's
Law of Scotland in Matters Criminal, to which he annexed a Treatise on Mutilation and
Demembration." (Haig and Brunton's Historical Account of the Senators of the College
of Justice, pp. 406, 407.)

HLs lordship's eldest son, " Sir William Seton, second baronet of Pitmedden, in his
father's lifetime, was chosen to represent the county of Aberdeen, in the Scots parliament,
from 1702 till 1706, at which time the Queen was pleased to name him oneofthecom-
jiiissioners to treat about the union between Scotland and England." (Douglas' Baronage

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— UDNY. 359

and wrote a small " Treatise of Mutilation and Demembration,"
and dyed A. D. m.dcc.xix. The first of this family', was James
Seton of Bourtie, (son to William Seton of Meldrum, by Margaret
Innes, daughter to Leuchars,) born A. D. m.d.liii. He married
Margaret Rolland, grand-daughter to William Rolland, master of
the mint at Aberdeen, under King James V. ; by whom he had
Alexander, his heir. His arms are seen on his house at Aberdeen,
A. D. M.D.xci., and on his seat in Udny church, A. D. m.dc.v. It
was on him that Dr Arthur Johnston wrote this epitaph :

Tumulus lacobi Setoni Petineddeni.

" Qvem tegit hie cespes, fastu Setonus honoies,
" Divitias luxu posse earere docet." ^

His heir, Alexander of Bourtie and Pitmedden, got also Bara from
his cousin, William Seton of Meldrum, A. D. m.dc.xxx. ; and by
Beatrix, sister to the first Lord Banf, had John ; who, by Elizabeth,
daughter to Sir Samuel Johnston of Elphinston, had James and
Alexander. This is that John who was shot, A. D. m.dc.xxxix.,
while, with other loyalists, he endeavoured to put a stop to the
covenanters, who were now advancing along the bridge of Dee, on
their way to Aberdeen,^ where his caii'n is yet seen, at the Two-
mile Cross, in Aberdeen parish. He was a very sightly man, and
was slain by having gone out of the foremost ranks, and advanced
first of all, as a ballad \ writ thereon, shews. And, he having been

of Scotland, p. 184.) To this gentleman, who died in 1744, there has been attributed,
among other tracts, " The Interest of Scotland in three Essays, viz. I. Of the true Origi-
nal and IndiiFerency of Church-Government. IL Of the Union of Scotland and England
into one Monarchy. IIL Of the present State of Scotland. Printed in the year 1700."
8vo.]

' [See Nisbet's Heraldry, vol. i., pp. 2.37,238; Douglas' Baronage of Scotland, p|).
182—185.]

2 [Artvri lonstoni Poemata Omnia, p. 381.]

^ [See Gordon's History of Scots Affairs, vol. ii., p. 278 ; Spalding's History of the
Troubles in Scotland, vol. i., p. 155.]

•• [The ballad of" Bonny John Seton of Pitmedden" was first printed by Mr. Maidnient

360 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

wounded in the heart, that family still bears, in the middle of their
three crescents for Seton, (which they quarter with Meldrum,) a
man's heart proper, dropping blood, and for crest a demi-man,
holding the banner of Scotland, with this motto, Sustento sanguine
signa ; supporters, a gray-hound and ottar, on a compartment, with
this motto, Merccs liaec certa labormn. His eldest son, James,
was shot, like his fathei-, by the Dutch, at Chatham, in A. D.
M.DC.LXvii. Alexander succeeded, whose son is now Sir William.

AucHiNHivE, built by Seton of Auchinhive, and now possessed
by Maitland of Pitrichie.

FuDDES, belonging to Udny of That Ilk.

Knaperna, lately possessed by Forbes, brother to Foveran, and
now by Irvine of Saphock ; who, being the chief of the Irvines,
next to Drum, begins to call it Irvine.

[Litera saysine Comitis de Erroll • ' (a. d. 1456.)

W^illelmus de Haya Comes de Errole Constabillarius Scocie • dilectis nos-
tris Ricardo Wause de Mane / et Willelrao Rede de Colistoun / balliuis
nostris in hac parte • Salutem • Quia dedimus \_etc.'] in puram et perpetuara
elimosinam Priori et conuentui domus Fratrum Predicatorum burgi de Aber-
den / et suis successoribus / vnum annuum redditum triginta solidorura
vsualis monete Scocie / leuandum et percipiendum annuatim de terris meis
de Babiiacathill / cum pertinenciis / jacentibus in comitatu Buchanie infra
vicecomitatum de Aberden • Vobis precipimus et mandamus quatenus pre-
dictis Priori \_etc.'\ saysinam et possessionem hereditariam predicti annui
redditus triginta solidorum de predictis terris cum pertinenciis bberari
faciatis \_etc.'] In cuius rei testimonium sigillum nostrum presentibus ap-
poni fecimus • Apud burgmn de Aberden / vicesimo nono die mensis Ja-
nuarii • anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo quinto •]

in his " North Countrie Garland." Edinb. 1824. 12mo. It has been reprinted in P.
Buchan's Gleanings of Scarce Old Ballads, pp. 161 — 163. Peterhead, 1825. 12mo. ; and
in J. Brown's Guide to Deeside, pp. 6, 7. Aberd. 1835. 12mo. Another version of the
sonar is given in P. Buchan's Ancient Ballads and Songs of the North of Scotland, vol. iL,
pp. 136 — 138. Edinb. 1828. 8vo.]

1 [From the original in the archives of the Marischal College and University.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON—LOGY IN BUCHAN. 361

LOGY-BUCHAN.

^^^ OGY-BUCHAN is said to be a little parish, having
about five hundred catechisable persons. The
Bishop of Aberdeen is patron : he claims it as a
mensal church ; yet Auchmacoy pretends.'

On the bank of Ythan, for two, supported by Hospital.
Auchmacoy.

^^^^^^m'-'' , at the Dovecot of Auchmacoy ; Two Chappeis

, at the Old Yaud of Auchmacoy ; both for the use

of the Buchans of Auchmacoy.

Auchmacoy, a new house, built about A. D. m.dcc.xxii., by the Mannours.
late James Buchan of Auchmacoy, the seat of Buchan of Auch-
macoy; which family I find named, A.D. m.cccc.xlvi.* This
family has possessed Auchmacoy these four hundred years ; the first
of them having been a son of Cummin, Earl of Buchan, (whence
Auchmacoy still bears the coat of Cummin, Earl of Buchan, with
a mollet for difference,!) who had got this small estate from his
father, and did, notwithstanding the almost general rebellion of
his whole clan against King Robert I., adhere so faithfully to that
Prince, that he was allowed to retain his estate, (when the other
Cummins were forfeited,) upon the condition of his taking a new
name ; whereupon he chose tliat of Buchan. Those of this family
have been frequently baillies to the Bishop of Aberdeen. This
family lately produced a man eminent for courage and antient
honesty. Major General Thomas Buchan, who adhered most faith-
fully to King VII., and King James VIII., after the Revolution;

' [The first parson of Logy in Buchan, after the Reformation, was the learned Alexander
Arbuthnott, principal of the King's College, born in 1538, died in 1383. See above, p.
227 ; Archbishop Spotiswoode's Hist, of Ch. of Scot., p. 333 ; Dr. Irving's Lives of Scotish
Poets, vol. ii., pp. 167 — 180; A. Strachani Panegyricvs Inavgvralis in Benefactores Aca-
demiae Aberdonensis, pp. 27, 28 ; New Statistical Ace. of Scot., number xx.xix., pp.
808 — 810. Mr. Andrew Melville's " Epitaphium Alexandri Arbuthncti" will be found in
the Delitiae Poetarum Scotorum, vol. ii., pp. 120, 121.]

* Chartulary of Aberdeen, f Nisbet's Heraldry.

362 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

having maintained that cause by his sword, both in Ireland and
Scotland. He dyed at Ardlogie in Fyvie, and was buried in Logy-
Buchan, A. D. m.dcc.xx . . . '

Tartie, the seat of Dun of Tartie ; whose arms are, a sword be-
tween three padlocks ; crest, a hand holding a key : motto, Mecum
habita.

BiRNis, belonging to Cummin of Birnis, son to Cummin of Cri-
mond.

Fechil, the seat of Gordon of Fechil, branched from Pitlurg,
about the middle of the last age. The present house was built
about A. D. M.DCC.xxii., by the late James Gordon, younger of
Fechil, M.D.

[account of the parish of LOGIE BIICHAN.2

If you have not a more full account of Logic Buchan, pleass to take this. The
river of Ithan runs thorow the midst of the paroch, the church standing on the
south side : on which side is Tartie, a mile distant from the church, directly
south ; Raniston, two miles from the church, south west. On the north side of

1 [" He was the third son of James Buchan of Auchmacoy, by Margaret Seton, daughter
of Alexander Seton of Pitmedden. He was born about the middle of the seventeenth cen-
tury ; and, after serving in subordinate ranks in France and Holland, in 1682, was appointed
by King Charles H., lieutenant-colonel, and in 1686, by King James VH., colonel of the
Earl of Mar's regiment of foot in Scotland. Having received the thanks of the privy coun-
cil for various services, he was, in 1689, promoted by King James to the rank of major-
general, and after the fall of the celebrated Dundee at the battle of Killiekrankie, and the
repulse of General Cannon at Dunkeld, obtained the chief command of King James' forces
in Scotland. Although in that high command he fortunately failed in retrieving the
fortunes of the fallen monarch, yet there are letters to the general, and other documents,
in the custody of the present Mr. Buchan of Auchmacoy, from King James, his Queen,
their secretary Melfort, and others, which demonstrate their undiminished confidence in his
military skill, and his attachment to their cause. There can be little doubt that General
Buchan, though not in command, was present with the Marquis of Huntly's troops at
the battle of Sheriifniuir, on the thirteenth of November, 1715. But when the Marquis, to
save his life and estates, withdrew from the rising a few months after, it is doubtful
whether the general followed his example, as, by a letter from the Countess of Errol, dated
fifteenth May, 1721, it appears he was still in communication with the exiled family. His
picture is in the house of Auchmacoy." (New Statistical Account of Scotland, number
xxxix., pp. 806, 807.)]

2 [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS., written ajiparently about 1725.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— LOGY IN BUCHAN. 363

the river, stands the house of Auchmacoy, a large mile from the church, (in whose
interest there are mines of ane old chapell ; with a mortificatione of a housei
yeard, and some land, for two old people, which is kept up in good repair) ; and
the house of Birness, two miles north from the church. No mosses ; no moors ;
nor loughs of water remarkable : the kirk is a mile and ane half from the sea
port : no publick road thorow it. We cannot learn to what Saint it hath been
dedicated, unless it be to St. Andrew. Tippertie in this parioch is mortifyed be
the family of Turnerhall, for mantenance of some burses at the coUedge.

Carta capituli Aberdonensis / de iiire patronatus ecclesie de Loghi •'
(a. d. 1361.)

Dauid Dei pracia Rex Scottorum Omnibus etc ■ Sciatis nos pro salute
anime rostre et animarum omnium antecessorum et successorum nostrorum
Regum Scocie dedisse \_etc.'\ Deo et Beate Marie de Aberdone necnon
capitulo et coUegio canonicorum eiusdem ecclesie Aberdonensis / ius pa-
tronatus ecclesie de Logy in Buchania infra episcopatum Aberdonensem in
proprios vsus sues et comraunam inperpetuum conuertendum • Tenendum
et habendum eisdem capitulo et collegio in puram et perpetuam elemosinam
secundum modum formam et statuta ecclesie sue supradicte adeo libere •
\_etc.~\ sicut ius patronatus alicuius ecclesie \etc.'\ per nos [eic] possidetur
Saluo iure nunc rectoris quousque cedat vel decedat • In cuius rei etc ■
Testibus etc ■ i Apud Aberdene • xij" Septembris anno regnj nostrj
Tricesimo tercio ■ •

Cedula super duabus villis de Arttrochy et le Kragtoun • - (a. d. 1368.)

Die Mercurij quinto die mensis Julij / anno • m» • ccc° ■ sexagesimo
octauG • Apud montem de Arttrochy • Concordatum est inter Thomam de
Haia Constabularium Scocie / et Willelmum de Fentoune dominum eius-
dem / in forma que sequitur • videlicet • Predictus Thomas ex deliberato
concilio dedit et concessit hereditarie / dicto Willelmo et heredibus suis /
terras subscriptas cum clausula warrancie prout continetur in cedula altera
inter ipsos confecta et in presencia Domini de Kethe • videlicet ■ duas villas
de Ardtrochy • et le Kragtoun • cum pertinenciis earundem / excepta ilia
pecia terre del Kragtoun ■ cum pertinenciis • que in extentum vnius jugeris

1 [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 23.]
■^ [From a copy in the charter-room at Slaines.]

364

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

assignatur et aiinexatur raolendino dicti Thome de predicta terra del Krag-
toun ■ resignatis dicto Thoma cum terris brasinis et fabrilibus suis cum
pertineuciis suis ■ Et iiifeodabit ipsas terras prefato Willelmo cum omnibus
libertatibus suis et commoditatibus molendinis et multuris predictarum ter-
rarum brasine et fabrilis tam libera • et quiete • in omnibus et per omnia
prout aliqua terra ab aliquo barone liberius tenetur seu possidetur • Faci-
endo inde seruicium Domini Regis / et tres sectas ad tres curias capitales
dicti Thome •

Ane euident of Tauartie • ' (a. d. 1461.)

Be it kend til al men be thir present letres me TJmfra Laysk of That Ilk
vith consent and assent of Thomas of Laysk my eldast sone and ayre to
haue sauld and owirgeuin [e<c.] a pice of laund callit Brinthous Hand in the
boundis of the toun of Tawarty vithin the schirefdome of Aberdeine til ane
honorabil lord Willeame Erie of Errolle Lord the Haye and Constabil of
Scotland and his ayris or assigneyis for a certane soum of mony payit to
me in my gryte mystir [eic] In vitnes of the quhilk thing I the sade Umfra
hes appensit my seil to thir my present letres vith the seil of the sade
Thomas my sone and ayr / At Slainis the tuenty secund dai of the monethe
of Merche the yeir of God • m° • cccc • and sexti • ]

FOVERAN.

OVERAN has an isle for the Turings of Foveran.
The Earl Marishal is patron. It has its name
from the castle here, which is very old; and is
thought to be so called from a sweet and very im-
petuous spring here, (at the foot of the wall, having
an arch built over it) ; for, in Irish, fiieran signifies
a spring.

Here was once a Hospital, founded by Alexander Gumming,
second Earl of Buchan of that surname, and son to the founder of
Deer Abbay, justitiary of Scotland under King Alexander III., and
one of the six regents of Scotland on his death.

[From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— FOVERAN. 365

Here is still a Hospital founded for three poor men, by the first
Alexander Forbes of Foveran, who have each of them a peck of
meal, and a groat, weekly.

> at FiDDES. Chappels.

Holy Rood, at Newburgh,' built by the Abbot of Deer.

, at , where now is the Hospital.

Foveran, now ruinous, possessed by Forbes of Foveran, descended Mannours.
of Tolquhon ; whose grandfather, Alexander, grandson to Tolquhon,
purchased it on the fall of Sir John Turing of Foveran, who suffered
much for his loyalty to King Charles II., and fought bravely at
Worcester ; but dyed without sons. A part of this house very lately
fain, was called the Turings Towr,^ from its old founders. Ther is
a prediction, (said to be Thomas Rymers,) concerning this Towr:

" When Tiirring's Towr falls to the land,*
Gladsmoor then is near at hand :
When Turring's Towr falls to the sea,t
Gladsmoor the next year shall be."

1 [" There is a very ancient burial-ground in the neighbourhood of the village of New-
burgh. There are some remains of an ancient chapel within the ground, which goes among
the people under the name of Rood Church." (New Statistical Account of Scotland, number
xxxix., p. 699. Edinb. 1842.)

" Near Newburgh, are the ruins of an old chapel, called the Red Chapel of Buchan. There
were in the parish two Druidical temples, one of which was very complete, but both are now
entirely destroyed." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. vi., pp. 67, 68. Edinb. 1793.)

In the service, before the sheritf of Aberdeen on the tenth of January, 1559, of Elizabeth
Meldrum, relict of Alexander Gray, burgess of Aberdeen, to the terce of certain crofts, roods,
tenements, houses, and yards, in the barony of Newburgh, mention is made of " the Scolar
Croft ;" — " terras altaris Sanctorum Crispini et Crispiniani ;" — " terras monachorum de
Deir ;" — " terras Sancte Crucis ;" — " crucera de Newburght ;" — " terras capelle Sancte
Crucis ;" — " lie lone de Newburght;" — " et vnius rude terre vocate the Kirk Rude;" —
" et terras Domini Alexandri Gurla capellani." (Libri Actorum Curiae Vicecomitatus de
Aberdeen, vol. ii., MS.)]

•i ['■ There is now no vestige remaining of the castle of Foveran, nor of Turing's Tower,
which was still more ancient ; but, we need not say that the sweet spring, that bountiful gift
of God, alluded to by Sir Samuel Forbes, continues to flow with all its wonted abundance.
There is a marble bust, in the dress of the time of King Charles L, lying on the ground,
near the site of the old castle." (New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix., p. 699.)]

* Which it did, 171 . . t This is understood of that half of it which yet stands.

366 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

It seems this Gladsmoor is to be a very decisive battle for Scot-
land ; but if one fancy the place of it to be Gladsmoor, on the coast
of East Lothian, he will find himself mistaken : for

" It shall not be Gladsmoor by the sea,
But Gladsmoor wherever it be."

These Turings, having come over from Tour d'Auvergne with
King David II., got this estate, (formerly belonging to the Cummings
Earls of Buchan, and given, on their forfeiture, by King Robert I.,
to the Strabrocks,') from him.''

TiLLERY, a court, now the seat of Forbes of Foveran; begun by
the Setons of Minnis, who possessed it about the middle of the last
age.

Knockhall, the seat of Udny of That Ilk ; possessed originally
by the Sinclairs, and therefor by them built in the form of a cross ;
a cross engrailed, sable, being their arms.

Newtyle, the seat of Gordon of Burthlaw, who married the
heiress of of Nevptyle.

' [In a roll of lost charters of King Robert I., is " Carta Willielmi de Straithbocis [/.
Straithbrocis], of the lands of Fouern and Ardache, etc., and thrie pairts of Auchnacuy."
(Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. I.) Robert Strathbrock, Bishop of Caithness, in
1444, was " descended from an ancient race of burgesses at Aberdeen, who were proprietors
of the lands of Foveran, in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen, in King David the Second's time."
(Keith's Catalogue of Scotish Bishops, p. 214.)]

2 [In a roll of lost charters of King David II., is " Carta to William Toryn, of the barony
of Foverne, in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen, by recognition I'ra Henry Strabrok." Robert-
son's Index to the Charters, p. 45.)

" Tourrin or Turing of Foveran, an old family in the shire of Aberdeen, originally from
France, carried, or, on a bend gules, three boars heads of the first : as in James Esplin,
Marchmont Herald, his book illuminated in the year 1630." (Nisbet's Heraldry, vol. i.,
p. 100.)

" Gulielmi Tuiingi, Fouerangii, die 8. post miptias celebratas mortui, memoriae.
Ecce iacet, proauos, atauos, interque parentes,

Turingus, gentis spesque decusque suae.
Cui dum intentat Amor iaculum, Mors saeua pepercit :
Scilicet, vt telis perderet ipsa suis."

(loannis Leochaei Mvsae Priores, epig. lib. ii., p. 34.)]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— FOVERAN. 367

[description of the parish of FOVERAN. '

This parrish hath its name from a barrony so called ; and very congruously did
the lairds of Foveran assume its name from a fountain adjoining the castle : For
Foveran, both in the British and Irish language, signifies a fountain, or well spring ;
whereof there is one here of a most pure and delicate water, which delights the
beholder by its playing, through a hundred several pipes, as it were, a spring or tune
to the dancing atomes of earth.

This fountain doth not want the ornament of a long arch, or vault, of cut stone,
covering it ; and the vault covered with the green herbs. The surprizing quantity
of a healthfuU water which this fountain affbords, deserved to have ane arch of
marble ; but, it seems, the builder hath remembred what a poet ^ said :

" Quanto praestantius asset
Numen aquae, viridi si margine clauderet undas
Herba, nee ingenuum violarent marmora tophum ? "

Surely, if this fountain had been in Greece, it had got a name ; and the Muses might
have inspired their admirers, the poets, to have drunk of it, to have sung their
songs, and to have danced about it.

The barronie of Foveran is, on the east, washed by the sea; and, on the north-
east, by the water of Ithan. The parish is watered in the niidle by a rivulet, called
the burn of Foveran, which hath its source in the parish of Belhelvie ; and, running
through the parish of Foveran, makes several agreeable valleys of meadow
grounds ; and, separating the lands of Forbes-Ardoch in Foveran, from those of
Glammis-Ardocli in Belhelvie, waters the niiln of Ardoch, the miln of Minnis, the
miln of Fiddes, the old miln of Foveran, and then, falling into a linn near the kirk,
runns to the new miln of Foveran ; whence, taking its course under the castle of
Foveran, it affoords water to the miln of Newburgh, on its left liand, and, to the
north, falls into the water of Ithan, near a mile from the mouth, or influx of that
river into the sea.

This rivulet of Fotheran is covered in three places with bridges, for the conve-
niency of travellers : one, of cut stone, upon an upper branch of it, near Tilliry ;
and this branch waters the miln of Tilliry. The second bridge is of timber, and
at the kirk. The third bridge is of stone, near the miln of Newburgh.

This parish contains five antient baronies: Foveran, on the south side; and
Pitmilland and Tilliry, on the north side of the rivulet. These three, united in
one, belong to Forbes of Foveran.

The barronies of Foveran belonged antiently to the Earles of Buchan, of the name

' [From MS. Sloane, no. 4215, art. 8, in the British Museum.]
- [Juven. sat. iii., v. 18 — 20.]

368 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

of Cummin ; upon whose forfaultaure, they were given, by King Robert Bruce, to
William Strathbrock. The Earl of Marr thrust himself into the possession ; who
ex aequali morsu conscientiae, desponded them to William Tory, burgess of Aber-
deen, and his wife Mary Skeen ; and, it is like, the name Tory, by adding one letter
to it, became Torin ; of which name one was killed, in defence of his countrey, at
the battel of Flowdon.

The other two baronies are Knockhall and Fiddes, both on the north side of the
rivulet ; and these two, united in one, belong to Udny of That Ilk.

The barony of Fiddes antiently belonged to Fiddes of That Ilk ; then, to the
Keiths ; after that, to the Lord Forbes ; who sold it to the Viscount of Frendraught.
Knockhall belonged to the Lord Sinclair.

Besides the castle of Foveran, (an old Gothick building,) there are two good
houses in this parish. Knockhall, built by the Lord Sinclair, stands conspicuous,
and is well accomodate. It seems the Lord Sinclair has affected to be remembred,
not only as the builder of this house, but likewise as the planter of the trees about
it ; for the name and arraes of Sinclair are not only seen above the gate, but the
trees have been planted in the shape of a ragged cross, the bearing of that very
noble family.

The other house is Tilliry, where there is no name nor coat of arms to be seen,
but, instead of that, variety of figures, well cut, amusing to the beholder, with in-
scriptions under these figures, instructive to the inhabitants, or the reader. I have
seen them, and shall give the following description.

The avenues, beginning at a distance from the house, are numerous, and some-
what singular ; new appearances frequently presenting themselves, so that one
sees what he did not expect ; and, when come near to the house, he finds a little
square parterre, walled about with four fair gates, opposite to one another, for the
healthy and refreshing benefit of the four circling winds. Upon each side of the
first gate, there stands the figure of a dog, a spaniel on the one side, and a grey-
hound on the other, with this inscription beneath :

" Cum sit uterque vigil, domino quoque fidus uterque,
Non male pro foribus, utraque imago sedet."

Upon each side of the gate, at the right liand, there stands the figure of a goose,
with this inscription :

" Cur nos spectamur ? monet et vigilantia nostra."

And on the gate, at the left hand, there stands, on each side, the figure of a cock,
with this inscription :

" Quod tamen ad cantum galli faeit ille secundi,
Proximus ante diem caupo sciet ; ergo cavendum." '

' [Altered from Juven., sat. ix., v. 107, 108.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— FOVERAN. 369

The owner of this house, by these statues of domestick animals, seems to me to
have intimate, what esteem and value ought to be put on the fidehty and vigilance
of servants, and how careful! all men ought to be to do nothing of ill, and what they
would wish to be conceal'd. Upon the fourth gate, whereby one enters to the court,
there stand three boys ; and, upon a well polished marble stone, this inscription :
" Qui, protegendam praesidio Dei,
Credet salutem, rem, sobolem, domum,
Securus armorum et tumultus,
Sub clypei latitabit umbra." '

Beside this, there is a not unpleasant devise, which obliges the sun to make the
sign of the Cross, and to plant it on the oposite wall.

There is yet another gate, within and lower than the last named, with the
figures of a lamb and a dove above it ; the inscription :
" Innoxijs dementia

Divina semper excubat."^

And, upon the inside of this gate, where is the year of God, 1715, beneath which
the following line :

" Scotia moesta dole, propria tunc perdita prole!"
and beneath, this antick verse :

" Anno tumultus Britannici, si diis placet atque utinam postremi."

After entring within this little court, there are four doors to be seen, upon the
nearest of which there is engraven in a marble stone :

" Auream quisquis mediocritatem
Diligit, tutus caret obsoleti
Sordibus tecti ; caret invidenda
Sobrius aula." ^

and, above the door, opposite to these lines :

" Praestat supellex sobria,
Recteque parta recula,
Quam rapta per vim, divitum
Fastidiosa copia." *

And above the kitchen door is engraven :

" Vile olus, et duris haerentia mora rubetis,
Pugnantis stomachi composuere famem."'

' [Altered from G. Buchanan, ps. xci., v. 1 — 16.]

2 [G. Buchanan, ps. lii., v. 3, 4.] 3 [Herat, carm. lib. ii. od. x. v. 5 — 8.]

■• [G. Buchanan, ps. xxxvii., v. 61 — ei.]

* [T. Petron. Arb. frag, xxxiv. edit. Antonii, Lipsiae, 1781. 8vo.]

370 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

These three doors preaching sobriety, the fourth, piety, by a cross-cutted stone,
with this inscription :

" Solatium mortis, vitae quoque gloria sumraa."

This house of Tillery stands on a flatt low ground, is well planted ; but the
seat owes more to industry, than to nature.

The soil of Foveran parish is reckoned good and fertile, producing wheat,
barley, rye, oats, and pease, and affording the best of oatmeal. The farmers
here have good houses, live well, and are generally at their own ease, and reside
long: they are sober and industrious. The women work at the wool manufacture,
and that mostly in stockings. The water of Ithan, as it touches this parish,having
either a broad border of small peebles, or running between sands on both sides, af-
fords now no pleasure to the eye ; whereas, formerly, its banks, beneath the burn
mouth of Foveran, were flowery meadows, which gave the best of grass, and the
best pasture of the mains of Foveran, for horses and plowing cattle. Likewise, the
value of salmond fishing in this water, is extremely deereast ; the fishing at Water-
town and the creives having, not many years ago, yeilded ten thousand merks in
a year ; whereas, now, it scarcely affoords the tenth part of that sum. However, it
still gives good variety of small fishes ; whereof they count thirty several sorts, the
testaceous kind, or shell fishes, included ; of which it affords great plenty, especially
near the water mouth. Besides, Ithan affords a conveniency for shipping and
trade ; it receiving ships of good burden, wherein much victual is yearly either ex-
ported to Norway, or transported to the Firth.

It hath been observed, I know not how truly, that the castle of Foveran stands
at the greatest distance from mountain and muir, of any part of Scotland ; there
being no mountain within twelve, nor muir within six miles of it.

There is one monument of piety within this parish; that is ane almshouse at the
kirk, with this inscription, on a marble stone on the corner of the house :

" D. Alexander Forbes, Foveranensis, qui terrae hujus bona non in avaritiae praedam,
sed instrumenta bonitatis, acquisivit, aedem banc pauperibus alendis extruxitet dotavit."

with another inscription, above the gate of the almshouse :

" Extra fortunam est quicquid donatur egenis ;
Quae dantur, solae semper habentur opes," '

The kirk of Foveran hath had but five ministers since the Reformation : whereof
one,^ became a bishop ; another, a doctor ; and a third, ' a professor of divinity.

' [Altered from Mart. lib. v. epig. xlii. {al. xliii.) v. 7, 8.]

2 [John Paterson, Bishop of Ross, from A.D. 1662 until his death, in A.D. 1679.]
' [David Anderson, professor of theology in the King's College and University, from
the year 1711 to the year 1735.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— FOVERAN. 371

As the modern bounty to the poor is mentioned, the antient beneficence to the
church ought not to be forgot ; the teinds of this parish belonging to the Abacy
of Deer,' gifted by the antient Earles of Buchan, of the name of Cummin, founders
of that monastry ; the monks whereof had a house and a small parcel of ground in
the Newburgh, for a residence or resting place to them, called Monkshome ; now
turn'd to ane inn ; honour'd once with a lodger of very sublime quality.^ The Earle
Marischall is proprietor of the inn and land. Likewise, William Strathbrock made
a donation of an annuity of five pounds sterling, out of the rents of some houses of
Aberdeen, to the altar of St. James, which donation passing for an antiquity is
here inserted. .............

Carta Alexandri Comyn comitis de Buchane super hospitali apud Nouum
Burgum in Buchane • ' (a. d. 1261.)

Omnibus hoc scriptum uisuris uel audituris • ■ Alexander Comyn • Comes
de Buchane • tunc Justiciarius Scocie • Salutem in Domino sempiternam • •
Nouerit vniuersitas uestra nos diuine caritatis intuitu • et pro salute anime
nostre • et Ysabelle Comitisse spouse nostre • et pro animabus anteces-
sorum nostrorum et successorum nostrorum • dedisse • concessisse • et hac
present! carta nostra confirmasse • sex pauperibus prebendariis apud Nouum
Burgum in Buchane commorantibus ■ et eorum successoribus ibidem causa
elimosine nostre perpetuo commoraturis • • Dimidiam acram terre • ad
messuagium et curtilegium • que jacet inter messuagium capellani versus
orientem • et portum eiusdem uille • qui pro salute nostra • et Ysabelle
sponse nostre • et pro cunctis fidelibus defunctis • diuina celebrabit in
capella de Nouo Burgo • Tenendam et habendam eisdem pauperibus •
in puram et perpetuam elimosinam • adeo libere • et quiete • sicut aliqua

1 [In a roll of lost charters of King Robert I., is " Carta given to the Abbacie of Der.
of the advocatioun and donatioun of the Kirk of Fouerne in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen."
(Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 1.)]

2 [The son of King James VII., commonly known as the Chevalier de St. George, who
landed at Peterhead on the twenty-second December, 1715. " He and his five companions,"
says Rae, " having lodged one night, in the habit of sea-officers, at Peterhead, and another
at Newburgh, a house of the Earl of Marischal, on the twenty-fourth they passed incognito
through Aberdeen, with two baggage horses, and at night came to Fetteresso, the principal
seat of the Earl of Marischal." (Rae's History of the Rebelhon of 1715, p. 352. Lond.
1746. 8vo.).]

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.]

372 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

elimosina in regno Scocie • liberius ■ et quiecius conceditur et posside-
tur • ■ Et quatuor celdras • et • xiiij ■ bollas farine auene • annuatim
de firma molendini nostri ■ de Furuy • ad eorum sustentacionem ■ per
manus balliui nostri de Slanys • qui pro tempore fuerit • percipiendas ■ •
Concessimus eciam eisdem pauperibus ■ ad eorum uestitum • octodecim
solidos sterlingorum • annuatim • ad festum Sancti Martini in yeme • perci-
piendos • de firmis uille nostre de Nouo Burgo • per manus prepositorum
eiusdem uille • • Preterea concessimus eisdem pauperibus communem pas-
turam • ad sex uaccas • in territorio de Nouo Burgo • annuatim • et suffi-
cientem sustentacionem in petario eiusdem loci • cum libero ingressu et
egressu in perpetuum ■ • Uolumus autem quod cum aliquis predictorum pau-
perum vniuerse uiam carnis ingrediatur • alius egenus loco ipsius ad dic-
tam elimosinam nostram percipiendam • per nos • et heredes nostros • sub-
stituatur • • Uolumus insuper quod capellanus • qui pro tempore • apud
Nouura Burgum in capella ibidem constructa • pro salute anime nostre •
et Ysabelle sponse nostre • et pro cunctis fidelibus defunctis ■ diuina cele-
brabit • rerum dictorum pauperum eis a nobis concessarum • ut saluo et
honeste ■ iuxta facultates dicte elimosine nostre • eisdem prouideatur •
o-eneralem habeat administracionem • et si circa predictam substitucionem
necligentes fuerimus • quod absit • uel ceteris negociis in remotis perpe-
diti hoc adimplere non ualentes • ne elimosina nostra in numero predicto-
rum pauperum ex mora dispensanda protrahatur • quod dictus capellanus •
loci cedentis uel decedentis pauperis • alium egenum cuius inopia merito
indigeat • elimosina sustentari substituat • alioquin nobis et heredibus nostris
huiusmodi substitucio reseruetur • • Obligamus eciam nos • et heredes nos-
tros • necnon et ceteros nostros successores • nos et ipsos jurisdiccioni
Episcopi Abirdonensis qui pro tempore fuerit subiiciendo • ut ei nos et
ipsos per censuram ecclesiasticam ad obseruacionem dicte elimosine • et sus-
tentacionem • ut dictum est • compellerent • Renunciando in hac parte • pro
nobis et heredibus nostris • et ceteris successoribus nostris • cuiuslibet iuris
remedio • per quod dicta elimosina deferri posset aut impediri • In cuius
rei testimonium • huic scripto sigillum nostrum fecimus apponi • Hiis tes-
tibus • Domino Ricardo Dei gracia Episcopo Abirdonensi • Domino Wil-
lelmo Comite de Marre ■ Domino Willelmo Comyne • milite • Domino ■ R ■
dicto Chen ■ milite ■ Radulpho Lascelis • clerico • Magistro • R ■ de Strathe-
burg • tunc official! Abirdonensi • et aliis • Actum apud Kelly in Buchane •
die Ueneris • proxima post festum Sancti Mathei • Apostoli et Euangeliste •
Anno gracie • millesimo • cc"° • Ix"" • Prime •

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— FOVERAN. 3713

Carta pro Dauid de Sancto Claro fratre comitis Orcadie • ' (a.d. 1391.)

Omnibus [eic] Henricus de Sancto Claro comes Orcadie et dominus de
Roslyne • Salutem [etcl Nouerit vniuersitas vestra nos dedisse \_elc.']
dilecto fratri nostro Dauid de Sancto Claro pro suo homagio et bono
seruicio nobis impenso et pro toto tempore vite sue impendendo • ac eciam
pro suo jure et clameo aliquali in partibus Orcadie ■ seu Schetlandie ■
sibi racione Isabelle de Sancto Claro matris sue aliquo modo contin-
genti • totas terras nostras de Newburgh et Auchdale cum pertinenciis
infra vicecomitatum de Abirdene iacentes • Tenendas [etc.'] de nobis [eifc]
pro homagio et seruicio suo antedicto [etcl Testibus discretis et nobilibus
viris • domino Waltero de Bocbane archidiacono Schetlandie • domino
Siraone de Papay • domino Thoma de Kirknes • domino Johanne
Punkyne • domino Michaele de Westray • domino Hauquino • railitibus ■
Ricardo de Sancto Claro • Thoma de Laysk • Alexandre de Claphame •
et Thoma de Lethe • et multis alijs • In cuius rei testimonium sigillum
nostrum apposuimus apud Kirknaw • vieesimo tercio die mensis Aprilis ■
anno Domini millesimo • ccc™° • nonagesimo primo •

Carta Henrici Domini Sinclere -^ (a. d. 1509.)

Jacobus etc ■ Sciatis nos dedisse [efc] dilecto consanguineo et consihario
nostro Henrico Domino Sinclere • totas et integras terras et baroniam
de Newburgh / cum molendino tenentibus tenandriis et libere tenentium
servitiis earundem / et piscaria aque de Ithane / cum advocatione et dona-
cione capelle de Newburgh / per omnes bondas et merchias [etc.'] cum
suis pertineutiis ■ jacentes infra vicecomitatum nostrum de Aberdene • Que
quidem terre et baronia [etc.] fuerunt dicti Henrici hereditarie / per ipsum
de nobis tente in libera baronia / et ob alienacionem majoris partis earun-
dem per predecessores suas factam in manibus nostris recognite fuerunt
[etc.] ■ Ac etiam infeodavimus creavimus fecimus [etc.] villam suam de
Newburgh cum edificiis croftis et ortis ejusdem in liberum burgum in
baronia nuncupandum Burgum de Newburgh in perpetuum • Tenendas
[etc.] Insuper dedimus et concessimus et commisimus [etc.] dicto consan-

' [From tile Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 196. The charter was confirmed by King Robert
III., by a charter dated at Rothissay, on the tenth of June 1391. (Ibid.) See as to the
barony of Newburgh, Acta Dominorum Auditorum (1492), p. 244 ; Miscellany of the Mait-
land Club, vol. i., p. 383 ; Lord Hailes' Additional Sutherland Case, ch. vi., pp. 110, 1 1 1.]

- [From the Earl of Haddington's Collection of Charters, vol. i., p. 354, MS.]
3 B

374 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

guineo nostro et heredibus suis plenariam potestatem auctoritatem et liber-
tatem / eligendi faciendi et constituendi annuatim in dicto burgo suo /
ballivos serjandos omnesque alios officiarios necessaries pro gubernatione
ejusdem / tentione curiarum / et ministratione justitie in omnibus causis
ut contigerit in dicto burgo • Et ad habendum et tenendum in eodem
crucem foralem / et forum die Lune singulis ebdomadis / et nundinas
publicas bis in anno / videlicet / in Festo ad Vincula Sancti Petri nuncu-
pato Lamines ■ et in Festo Sancti Martini in hieme ■ et per octavas
earundem annuatim in perpetuum • Et cum potestate eidem et heredibus /
eorumque ballivis per ipsos constituendis / faciendi et creandi liberos bur-
genses in dicto burgo atque illis [efc] potestatem [etc.'] emendi et vendendi
in eodem vinum ceram pannum laneum et lineum artam laneam pelles
corria omnesque alias mercantias et bona ad libertatem et privilegium burgi
in baronia spectantia • Et ad habendum in dicto burgo pistores et bra-
siatores / carnifices tam carnium quam piscium macellarios omnesque alios
artium operatores necessarios / cum theoloniis custumis minutis portu
navium statione et le anchoraige / ad usum et utilitatem prefati consan-
guinei nostri et heredum suorum applicandis • Et cum omnibus aliis et
singulis privilegiis et libertatibus ad liberum burgum in baronia spectan-
tibus [etc.'] Et cum potestate et libertate assedandi toftas ac croftas
et ortos dicte villa de Newburgh in particatas burgales burgensibus
ejusdem vel aliis / prout ipse et heredes sui maluerint / in feodifirma here-
ditate et libero burgagio libere quiete [etc.] ■ In cujus rei testimonium
presenti carte nostre magnum sigillum nostrum apponi precepimus •
Testibus [_etc.] Apud Edinburgh tercio die mensis Marcij anno Domini
millesimo quingentesimo octavo • et regni nostri vicesimo primo • ]

CRUDEN.

RUDEN was called, of old, Inver Cruden, that is,
') the mouth of Cruden, a rivulet which here falls
^ into the sea. The name is derived from croch-
.'l Daiii, croja-Dain, cnior Danorum, or crush Dane ;
all which, in different languages, denote the slaughter
of the Danes here, namely that under King Mal-
colm III.'

[See H. Boetii Scot. Hist., lib. xi., ft'. 244, 245 ; Bellenden's Croiiiklis of Scotland,

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— CRUDEN. 375

It has an isle, and six silver chalices, two of them gifted by Dr.
Drummond, last Bishop of Brechin ; ' who also biult the bridge on
Cruden, and lies buried in the isle here.

The patron is the Earl of Errol. For tutelar it hath Saint Olaus,
King of Norway. He laboured in the conversion of his own king-
dom to Christianity, but was murdered by rebells, A.D. m.xxviii. The
collect for his day, in the Breviary of Aberdeen, runs thus : " Om-
nipotens sempiterne Deus clemenciam tuam suppliciter exoramus

b. xi., ch. xviii., vol. ii., pp. 247 — 249 : " King Malcolme, havand his realm in sicker peace,
thocht nathing sa giid as to keip the promes maid to Danis; and, thairfore, he biggit ane
kirk in Buchquhane, dedicat in honour of Olavus, patron of Norroway and Denmark, to be
ane memoriall, that sindry noblis of Danis wcr sumtime buryit in the said kirk. In memory
heirof, the landis, that ar gevin to this kirk, ar callit yit, Croivdan : quhilk signifyis als mekil
as the slauchter of Danis. The kirk that was biggit to this effect, as oftimes occurris in thay
partis, was ouircassin be violent blast of sandis. Nochtvvithstanding, ane kirk was biggit
efter, with mair magnificence, in ane othir place, mair ganand. Sindry of thair bonis war
sene be us, schort time afore the making of this buke, mair like giandis than common stature
of men : throw quhilk, apperis, that men, in auld times, hes bene of mair stature and quan-
tite, than ony men ar presently in our days."

" No vestige of this chapel is now to be seen, but the place is well known. In the pre"
sent church-yard, w hich is about a mile to the westward of the place where the old church
was, there is a black marble grave stone. There is no inscription upon it. But the incum-
bent, upon enquiring into the meaning of a groove in the middle of the stone, was told, there
had been a plate of copper, inserted into it, with some inscription." (Statistical Account of
Scotland, vol. v., pp. 432, 433. Edinb. 1793.) " The parish church was rebuilt sixteen
years ago. And, what is rather a singular circumstance, all the outer walls, which are
rough ashler work, are built out of one stone, upon which hallow fires formerly used to be
burnt." (/</., p. 438.) " There are the remains of a Druidical temple, upon a rising ground,
about a mile to the west of the church. There is an artificial mount, about a mile to the
south of it, called The High Law, and another pretty near the Druid's temple, called The
Moat. A little to the east of The Moat, is The Gallow Hill." {Id., p. 436.)]

' ["James Drummond, d.d., presbyter of Muthil, was, in a.d. 1685, preferred to the see
of Brechin, much against his inclination, by the interest of his parishioner, the Earl of Perth,
then chancellor, and consecrated in the abbey church at Edinburgh, on Christmas day, by
Archbishop Rose. He was a pious and good man, diligent in his office, and read the Scrip-
ture, daily, in the original tongues. After the Revolution, he suffered cheerfully, and re-
tired to the Earl of Errol's house at Slains, where, having lived four years, he dyed of a
dropsy, (wherewith he had been long afflicted,) aged about seventy years, a.d. 1693. He
was buried in the isle of Cruden church." (MS. Account of Scotish Bishops in the library
at Slaines.)]

376 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

vt sicut beatum Olauum martyrem mira prouidencia regem in terris
constituisti catholicum et predicatorem eximium ita apud tiiam mise-
ricordiam in cells pro nobis facias perpetuum intercessorem ■ Per
Dominum nostrum • " ' In the lessons, it is told how he was con-
verted and baptized in Rowen, and became afterward an apostle
to his subjects, and that he wrought miracles after his death.

The old church, (dedicated also to Saint Olaus,) stood in the sands,
by which at last it was overblown.
chappei. Ther is a chappel within Bownes.

Mannour. BowNES, now Slains, a fair and very large court. The old

castle here, and a part of the court, was built under King James VI.,
by Francis Earl of Errol, on the King's demolishing the original
castle of Slains, (because of that earl's being in arms against Argyle
at Glenlivet) ; and the rest has been continued by his successors, till
Charles, the last earl, added the front, A.D. M.D.cc.vii.

This most noble family has possessed the office of Great Constable
of Scotland, for above four hundred years : their charter for it being
granted by King Robert I., at Cambuskenneth, the twelfth of No-
vember, the ninth year of the King's reign, that is, A.D. M.ccc.xiv.
I have seen it at Bovraes, where it is kept.^

Charles, the last earl, being the twentieth Constable of Scotland
of this family, having dyed A. D. m.d.cc. [xvii.,] his sister Mary,
the present Countess, inherited both the earldom and this office,
(which, though she cannot, because of her sex, exercise in her own
person, she may do it by one whom she shall depute) ; and in A.D.

M.D.CC married Alexander Falconer, esquire, (brother to the

present Lord Haulkerton,) who, on that account, has assumed her
surname.

To this office of Great Constable, (as appears by the report of the

' [Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, fol. Ixxxi.]
2 [It is printed in The Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. ii., p. 212; and in Dalyell's
Fragments of Scotish History, append., no. viii., p. 74 ; Edinb. 1798. 4to. A fac-simile
of it will be found in Anderson's Selectus Diplomatum et Numismatum Scotiae Thesaurus,
plate xlv. Edinb. 1739. fol.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— CRUDEN. 377

Privy Council made to King [Charles I.] ' which I have also seen
at Bovmes,) belonged of old the command of the King's army, im-
mediatly under the King, and the jurisdiction in all criminal cases
falling out vpithin four miles of the King's court, wherever it should
reside.

The Earls of Errol have been so famous abroad, that Ariosto has
introduced them among the auxiliaries that went from Scotland,
(above nine hundred years agoe,) to assist Charlemaign, the Em-
peror ; for he places the Earl of Errol, after having named the chief
of the Forbeses, thus :

" Ed iia il conte d'Erelia a destra mano."*

This family had the privilege of a portable altar, granted by Pope
Sextus IV. The Bull,^ (which I have seen at Bowues,) is directed
to William Earl of Errol, and Elisabeth his wife, and bears date the
twelfth year of his pontificate, (that is, A.D. M.cccc.LXXXiii.) ;
being granted by Julian, Bishop of Ostia, then acting, by commission,
as vicar for that pope. I have also seen, there, a letter from Pope
Alexander VI., dated A.D. M.cccc.xcii. ; wherein he notifies his

' [Printed in Tlie Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. ii., pp. 225 — 227.]
• Orlando Furioso, canto x. [, stan. 87.]

2 [" Facultas habendi altare portatile Comiti de Erol concessa- " (a.d. H83. From
the original in the charter room at Slaines.)
" Julianus miseratione diuina Episcopus Ostiensis Dilectis in Xpo nobilibus Vilhelnio
Hay comiti de Erol ac Conestabili regni Scocie / et Elizabet eius vxori Aberdonensis dio-
cesis ' Salutem in Domino / sincere deuotionis affectus quem ad Romanam geritis ecclesiam
non indigne meretur ut petitionibus uestris presertim quas ex deuotionis feruore prodire
conspicimus quantum cum Deo possumus fauorabiliter annuamus • Hinc est quod nos uestris
deuotis supplicationibus inclinati vt liceat nobis habere altare portatile cum debita reuerentia
super quo in locis congruentibus et honestis per proprium uel alium sacerdotem ydoneutii
missam et alia diuina officia sine iuris alieni preiudicio in uestra et familiarium uestrorum
domesticorum presentia possitis facere celebrari auctoritate domini pape cuius primarie
curam gerimus et de eius speciali mandate super hoc uiue uocis oraculo nobis facto / de-
uotioni uestre tenore presentium indidgemus / Datum Rome / apud Sanctumpetrum sub
sigillo officii primarie xvj Kalendas Junij • Pontificatus domini Sixti

]iape iiij anno duodecimo."]

378 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

election to William Earl of Errol, and desires him to make prayers
be put up for him.' The eldest charter this family has now extant,
(at Bownes,) is a gift, or confirmation, of the lands of Errol, by
King William.^ They have also a gift^ of several lands from King
John Balliol.

1 [" Dilecto filio nobili viro Guliellmo comiti de Erole constabulario Scotie • In utrumque

paratus • " (a.d. 1492. From copies in the charter room at Slaines.)

" Alexander episoopus servus servorum Dei • dilecto filio nobili viro Guliellmo comiti de
EroU constabilario Scotie • • Salvator noster Dominus lesus Christus ut ab eterna morte
liberaret huraanum genus mortalitatcm nostre carnis assumpsit sacrosanctamque universalem
ecclesiam suam usque ad consummationem seculi perpetuari voluit • Et (quuni hij) quos illi
sponsos daret perpetui esse non possent • disposuit gregis sui oves pascendas per variam
successionem verbo et opere ad etcrnam gloriam invitari - Sane cum felicis recordationis
Innocentius papa viij • predicessor noster septimo Kalendas Augusti sicut Domino placuit
ad immortalitatem migrasset • post funeris ipsius ac solemnium esequiarum ut moris est
celebrationem ■ venerabiles fratres nostri sancte Romane ecclesie cardinales dequievissent
in palatio Apostolico apud basilicam Beati Petri Apostolorum principis ■ in quo idem pre-
dicessor dum viveret habitabat et cursum presentis vite finierat • in conclavi celebrando
mode et tempore congruis in virtute Altissimi convenerant • ubi varijs consilijs et maturis
deliberationibus prehabitis facta celebratione niisse (in cujus rei) diligentem tractatum prout
tante rei qua nulla major agitur in terris gravitas expostulabat • tandem predicti fratres

Ejus qui invocatus fuit gratia cordibus (et vocibus) convenire potuissent certo tamen

Dei judicio cujus consilia inscrutabilia sunt . nos nunc episcopum Portuensem sancte Romane
ecclesie vicecancellarium ecclesie sue sancte tertio Idus Augusti unanimi voluntate ac Con-
cordia elegerent • Quoniam vero sicut Domino placuit ita factum est • quamvis nos ....
habere humeros tantum onus quantum est universalis ecclesie sarcina .... sentiremus • ta-
men ne reluctari voluntati Dei videremur coUa subjecimus jugo Apostolice servitutis (qui
infirma) eligit mundi ut confundat fortia • Cum Romanus pontifex licet per ministerium homi-
num eligatur excelsis tamen inspiratione procedat quod fragiles (animo) inspiraret et vires
suggeret • Turce perfidi hostes fidei non solum (a suis consilijs) retrahantur sed ope divini
auxilij et presidio nostro ac catholicorum Regum conculcentur • Hanc autem assumptionem
nostram ad tuara consolationem significandam duximus nobilitati tue quam uti peculiarem
nostrum et ecclesie filium (reputamus) • hortantes eandem in Domino primum ut porrigi
facias preces solemnes ad Dominum Deum nostrum ut nobis sua gratia assistat et nostre hu-
militati gratiam tribuat ad gloriam et honorem Ejus • exaltationem fidei • extirpationem
heresium- ac pacem et quietempopuli Christiani feliciter in Domino gubernarevaleamus • .
Datum anno incamationis Dominice millesimo quadragesimo nonagesimo secundo • sep-
timo Kalendas Septembris • pontificatus primo ■ "]

2 [Printed in The Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. ii., p. 303.]

3 [Printed in The Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. ii., pp. 313, 314.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON—CRUDEN. 379

[Carta Johannis de Boneville • ' (a.d. 1321.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scotorum ■ Omnibus [etc.'] Noueritis nos de-
disse [_etc.'] Johanni de Boneville militi dilecto et fideli nostro ■ terrain de
Collistoun et duas villas de Ardendracbtys / cum pertinenciis / infra comi-
tatum de Buchan • Tenendas [etc.'] a nobis [etc.] in feodo [etc.] Faciendo
[etc.] seruicium debitum et consuetum / et tres sectas curie principalis
vicecomitatus de Aberdene ad tria placita capitalia annuatim tantum ibidem
tenenda • In cuius rei testimonium presenti carte nostre sigillum nostrum
precepimus apponi • Testibus Bernardo Abbate Abirbrothense cancellario
nostro • Thoma Randulph comite Morauie et domino Vallis Annandie et
Mannie • Waltero senescallo Scocie • Jacobo domino de Douo-las • Jo-
hanne de Menteth ■ Gilberto de Haya constabulario nostro • Datum
• iiij" ■ die Februarij • anno regni nostri quinto decimo •

Confirmacio carte Walteri Moygne ■ ^ (a.d. 1369.)

Dauid Dei gracia • ■ Rex • ■ Scottorum / Omnibus etc ■ Sciatis nos appro-
basse etc • donacionem illam et vendicionem / quas • ■ Johannes de Bona
Villa de Balhelvy / fecit Waltero Moygne militi / de terra sua de Ochluchry
cum pertinenciis iacente infra dominium de Ardendrache in vicecomitatu de
Abirdene / Tenendam [etc.] sicut carta dicti Johannis eidem Waltero inde
confecta in se iuste continet et proportat Saluo seruicio nostro • • In cuius
rei etc • Testibus etc • Apud Perth • xxiij"° • die Octobris anno regni
nostri Quadragesimo Primo • •

Carta Johannis de Fraser domini de Forglen • ' (a.d. 1388.)
V niuersis banc cartam visuris vel audituris / Johannes de Bona Villa do-
minus de Balhelvy Boneville • Salutem in Domino ■ Noueritis me dedisse
[etc.] dilecto consanguineo meo Johanni Fraser domino de Forglen illas duas
villas meas de Ardhendrachtis in comitatu Buchanie infra vicecomitatuni de
Abirden / pro quadam summa pecunie [etc.] Tenendas et habendas dicto
Johanni [etc.] a me et heredibus meis [etc.] In cuius rei [etc.] sio-iHum

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines. See Robertson's Index to the Charters,
pp. 16, 17, 21 ; and above, p. 289.]

2 [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 76.]

3 [From the original in the charter room at Slaines.]

380 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

ineum est appensum • Et pro maiori securitate et euidencia siglUum discreti
viri Thome Nory locum tenentis vicecomitis de Abirden vna cum sigillo
Laurencij de Leth tunc aldirmanni burgi de Abirden presentibus apponi
cum instancia requisiui Apud Abirden none die mensis Octobris anno Do-
mini millesimo trecentesimo Octuagesimo octauo Testibus domino Thoma
de Haya constabellario Scocie / domino Alexandre Fraser vicecomite de
Abirden / Johanne de Keth domino de Inuerogy Thoma de Lask domino
eiusdem Andrea de Turyne domino de Fovern et multis aliis •

Preceptum saisine terrarum de Ardendracht et Achleuchry ■ ' (a.d. 14..)

Elisabeth domina baronie de Balheluy / de consensu et assensu Gilberti
domini de Kennedi mariti mei dilecti / maro et baliuis meis ad infrascripta
specialiter deputatis • Salutem in Domino sempiternam • Quia mihi nuper
presentatum est tanquam haroni baronie de Balheluy quoddam breue sasine
ex parte dilecti consanguinei mei • Willelmi Hay • filii et heredis quondam
Alexandri Hay de Dronlaw • de capella supremi Domini nostri Regis super
saisina concedenda prefato Willelmo de terris de Ardendracht et Ach-
leuchry mode existentibus in manlbus nostris tanquam domine superioris
earundem per decessum dicti quondam Alexandri / prout inuentum est per
unam assisam inquisicionis in curia capital! vicecomitis de Aberdene tenta
in pretorio eiusdem per Johannera Ogstoun vicecomitatura deputatum [eic]

xijo die mensis Januarii anno / prout nobis tempore confectionis

presentis bene constabat / Vobis igitur [etc.'] stricte precipimus [etc.~\ qua-
tenus [e<c.] deliberari faciatis prefato Willelmo [etc.'] saisinam et pos-
sessionem dictarum terrarum [etc.'] Et in signum saisine et possessionis per
vos [etc.'] sic traditarum sigillum vestrum iuxta meum presentibus penes
predictum Willelmum remansuris apponatis • In cuius rei testimonium
sigillum meum / una cum sigillo predicti domini et mariti mei / est ap-
pensum • Apud Cassilis • anno Domini • m° cccc . . . ■

• Ardendrauch ■ ^ (a. d. I4I4.)

Vniuersis banc cartam visuris vel audituris • Johannes Fraser dominus de
Ardendracht salutem [hi] Domino • Sciatis me dedisse [etc.] dilecto con-
sanguineo meo Alexandre Fraser ■ fiho quondam Duncani Fraser domini

1 [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.]
■2 [From the original in the charter room at Slaines.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— CRUDEN. 381

de Tulyfour • totas terras meas de Halff Dauach de Ardendracht cum per-
tinenciis jacentes ex australi parte dictarum terrarum mearum de Arden-
dracht in vicecomitatu de Aberdene / pro toto tempore vite sue pro suo
fideli seruicio michi impenso • Tenendas et habendas prefato Alexandre
pro toto tempore vite sue / a me heredibus meis et meis assignatis [e<c.]
In cuius rei testimonium sigillum meum presenti carte mee apposui • apud
Aberdene vltimo die mensis Januarij • Anno Domini • m° • quadringente-
simo tertio decimo • Testibus Patricio de Morauia domino de Culbardy •
Andrea Giifard et Willelmo Cryne de Aberdene ■

Littera Johannis Fraser super saysina de le Haldauach de Ardindrauch • '
(a. D. 1414.)

Vniuersis quorum interest presentes litteras inspecturis Johannes Fraser
dominus de Ardindrauch eternam in Domino salutem Quia dedi et con-
cessi consanguineo meo karissimo Alexandre Fraser totas terras meas de
le Haldauach jacentes in dominio de Ardindrauch pro toto tempore vite sue
prout in euidenciis super eisdem sibi confectis plenius continetur de quibus
terris de le Haldauach cum pertinenciis predicto Alexandre statum et
saysinam super solum eiusdem terre manu propria tradidi corporalem et
hoc omnibus quorum interest notifico per presentes In cuius rei testimo-
nium presentibus sigillum meum apposui apud Ardindrauch coram hiis
testibus / videlicet / domino Adam Crukshank vicario de Crovdane Jo-
hanne filio Recardi de Arduchri Johanne filio Thome et multis aliis decimo
sexto die mensis Mali Anno Domini m"" cccc"" quarto decimo

Resignacio terrarum de Ardendracht et Achleuchrys • ^ (a. d. 1440.)

Nobili et potenti domino Patricio domino de (xlamys et domino baronie de
Balheluie militi domino suo metuendo • vestra humilis Margareta Fraser

' [From the original in the charter room at Slaines.]

2 [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.

On the sixth of July 1492, " anent the actioime and causs persewit be William Hay of
Ardendracht agains Henrj Chene of Essilmont and Johne Chene his sone and apperand are
tfor the wrangwis distructioune of the Place of Ardendracht and the houssis and biggingis
thairof And for the dampnage and soaitht sustenit be the said William thairthrow extending
to five hundreth merkis And for the wrangwis distructioune spoliatioune and awaytakin of his
charteris letrez of reuersioune of landis obligationis instrumentis and vtheris writtis an<l
evidentis and for the dampnage and scaitht sustenit be him thairthrow extending be gude

382 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

doraina de Ardendracht et Auchleuchry reuerencias oranimodas et honores •
In manus vestras ego predicta Margareta in mea pura viduitate constituta
[etc.'] mea mera et spontanea voluntate omnes et singulas predictas terras de
Ardendracht et Achleuchrys cum pertinencijs quas de vobis teneo in capite
per fustera et baculum sursum reddo [etc.] ■ In cujus rei testimonium sigil-
lum meum presentibus est appensum • Apud Slainis decimo sexto die mensis
Decembris anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo •

estimatioune to sex hundreth merkis And for the distructioune and awaytaking fra the said
William of a chalder of here price x merkis twa chalderis of aitis price xij merkis And for
the dampnage and scathtis sustenit be the said William throw wanting of the proffitis of
his manys off Ardendracht be the space of thre yeris throw the waisting of his said Place
landis and gudis extending to twa hundreth merkis And for the spoliatioun taking and
withhalding fra the said William out of the said Place of thir gudis of houshalde vnderwrittin
that is to say xij siluer spvnnys price xij merkis a siluer pece price x lib. vj pottis v pannis
twa caldrovnys xviij pece of pewder weschale siiij standis and barellis twa tyn quartis
xvij pare off schetis vj blankatis half a chalder of malt in ail and wort four dosane of
keling and skatis twa siluer beltis vj stane of woU v merkis of siluer a Bible buk ane
buk contenand four bukis of the Sentence and thre Inglis bukis price of the saidis gudis ane
hundrethe pundis with the mare as is contenit in the summondis [ete.] The lordis of con-
sale assignis to the saidis Henrj and Johne the viij day of October nixt tocum to preif
sufficiently [etc.]." (Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 243.)

At Aberdeen, on the tenth of December 1492, " the lordis of counsale riply avisit
decretis and deliueris that becauss the saidis Henry Chene and Johne Chene failyeit in thair
preif the terme assignit to thaim thai sail content and pay to the said William fyve hun-
dreth merkis for his dampnage and schaytis sustenit be hira in the bernyng of his said Place
and houssis x merkis for the said chalder of here xij merkis for the said ij chalderis of aitis
And for the saidis pottis pannis schettis weschale and vtheris insicht of houshalde j<^ merkis
for vj spvnis price vj merkis for the ta half of the said pece v lib. The quhilkis guidis wer
spulyeit and takin be the saidis Henry and Johne and thair complicis as wes sufficiently
preiffit before the lordis [ete.]." (Id. p. 256.)

On the twenty-seventh of February 1492, "the lordis of consale decrettis and deliueris
that Richard Gillespy Dauid Chepman in Monymvsk Andrew Young in Inware William
Johne Owirisone in Forbes Johne Stratoune sumtyme with the persone of Forbes Alexander
Carll in Castellhill of Driminor William Pantoune in Cowley Alexander Johnestoune of
That like Johne Clerk in Cremont James Chene in Creich Thomas Lesle parisclerk of
Luggidurnocht Johne Donaldsone at the mylne of Inueramsay Arthure Lord Forbes Thomas
Chawmir of Boundis George Gordoune in Fulyemont Robert Craghede Johne Thomesone
Walter Watsone vtheris wais callit Curry Thomas Pere in Essilmont Alexander Setoune of
Meldrum Johne Gareach in Kynstar John Henrysone in Keig William Gentilman in Keig
Walter Fowlartoune Dauid Scot Thomas Elmysle Johne Cravy Johne Richardsone Patrik
Andersone Patrik Rede Dauid Rure Androv Rede Alexander Elmisle Johne Forbes Johne

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— CRUDEN. 388

Littera commissarii generalis Aberdonensis pro excommunicatione nonnul-
loriim ablatorum merchiarum inter terras de Gask et Inuernytie • '
(a. d. 1555.)

Commissarius generalis Aberdonensis / curate de Slaines siue cuicunque
alteri capellano / Salutem • Ex parte nobilis viri Andree Hay Magistri de
Erroll grauis querela nobis peruenit / quod nonnulli iniquitatis filii et Dia-
boli membra / sue salutis eterne immemores / Deum pre oculis non ha-
bentes / quorum nomina nostri conquerenti penitus ignorantur / bee damna
sequentia perpetrarunt • videlicet • Forsameikleas now laitly in the moneth
of September / or therby / in this instant fifty fiue yeiris • that euill auisit
personis cam to ane merch carne made and biggit of the aid in ane merch
lyand betuixt the landis of Gask / perteining heretably to Andro Maister of
Erroll the said complenyear / within the schireffdome of Aberdein and lord-
schip and barony of Slaines ■ and the landis of Inuernytie / perteining to
William Lord Merschall / whilkis merche cairne is callit Cairne Sheilis /
and ther hes brokin and raisit vp the said merch cairne and hes remouit
the principall merche stanis out of the auld and natural! laires / and hes
tane part therof away and changit and alterit the samyn merch carne by
the maner that it wes gadderit / sett / and biggit of befor ■ and this in
greit dampnage and preiugement of the said Maister of Erroll complenyear •
and to the effect that the said merch cairn in tyme cumming mocht not be
knawin as ane of the merches betuixt the foresaid landis of Gask and In-
uernytie with the pertinentis respectiue aboue • Herefore to monesch all
personis art or part herof doand knawand and conseland / the samen
to schaw / and rewell the samen and restore and reform the said
carne / and restore and input the stanis therof in the auld naturall lairis
on the samen maner as thay wer ofbefor / and als to rewel and

Red William Lcith Dauid Forbes Johne Carll William Scot and Walter Pantoune sail freitli
and releff Henry Chene of Essilmont and Johne Chene his sone and apperand are at the
handis of William Hay of Ardendracht of the payment of the soume of five hundreth merkis
recouerit on thaim be the said William Hay for the distructioune and birnyng of the Place
of Ardendrach equaly to be devidit pairtit and pait be the forsaidis persons and the saidis
Henrj and Johne / As thai that wer at the distructioune and bu-nyng of the sammyn Place
[etc.y {Id. p. 296.) See also pp. 242, 259, 276, 289, 294; and Acta Dominorum Audi-
torum, pp. 89, 179, 182, 183.]

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.]

384 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

schaw for what cause and at what command the samen wes alterit and
changit or ony part therof takin away as said is under the pain of
the greit cursing • in animarum perpetrantium graue periculum / et

ipsius conquerentis damnum non modicum • de quibus

. . . nequit juste per censuras ecclesie remedio

opportuno • Quare vobis precipimus et mandamus quatenus mone-

atis / lie ■ 1™° • 2°'''' ■ 3''° • peremptorie / omnes et singulos utriusque
sexus / cuiuscunque status gradus conditionis dignitatis aut preeminentie /
existant • dictorum omnium et singulorum bonorum ablatores / surrep-
tores / ereptores / habentes detinentes inde scientes ocultantes / concilium
auxilium / opera vel fauorem / ad premissa prestantes dantes et exhi-
bentes / aut cum eisdem participantes / in toto vel in parte / quos nos
tenore presentium monemus quatenus infra sex dies vestras monitiones
proxime et immediate sequentes reuelent restituent emendent aut cum
eisdem amicabiliter componant / sub pena excommunicationis maioris •
Quos sic monitos et monitis huiusmodi non obteraperantes / lapsis dictis
sex diebus / trinaque canonica monitione premissa / cum ad diuina audienda
maior populi multitudo conuenerit • campanis pulsatis / candehs accensis et
extinctis / demum ut moris est in terra proiectis / publice et solemniter
excommunicates denuncietis ■ Datum sub sigillo nostri officii / decimo sex-
to die mensis Octobris • anno [millesimo quingentesimo quinquagesimo]
quinto •

In dorso ■ Decimo die mensis Nouembris ego vicarius prebendarius de
Peterugy omnes et singulos prescripta damna perpetrantes / cuiuscunque
status gradus conditionis aut dignitatis existentes / consentientes aut scien-
tiam participare reputatos / tenore presentium publice et solemniter / cam-
panis pulsatis / candelis extinctis et in terram proiectis / tempore diuinarum
excommunicates pronunciavi «

manu propria •

Litera absolutionis • ' (a. d. 1555.)

Johannes miseratione diuina Sancti Andree Archiepiscopus • tocius regni
Scocie primas • legatus natus ■ monasteriique de Pasleto abbas • necnon
cum potestate legati a latere sancte sedis Apostolice legatus • curato
ecclesie parochialis de / sen cuicunque alteri capellano • Sa-

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— CRUDEN. 385

lutem cum benedictione diuina • Certis de causis ratlonabilibus animum
nostrum in hac parte mouentibus / presertim zelo justicie et diuine contem-
placionis intuitu / penes infrascriptum peragendum ■ vobis itaque in forma
ecclesie prout visum fuerit autoritate nostra ordinaria etiam pretextu nostre
jurisdictionis metropolitane sedis Sancti Andrea preeminentieque primatus
regni predict! ac etiam vigore nostre facultatis et officii legatie predict! •
absoluendl nobilem virum Andream Hay feodatorem comitatus de Erroll
dominiique de Slaines [e^c] a sententia excommunicationis aliarumque
censurarum ecclesiasticarum quarumcunque fulminatarum sive fulminanda-
rum forsan per literas nostras aut officialium nostrum prouincie Sancti An-
dree seu etiam forensici infra arcbidiaconatum Laudonie aliorum judicum
ordinariorum seu etiam extraordinariorum qualiumcunque autoritate infra
dictum regnum Scocie fungentium • Et hoc tantum ad effectum agendi et
legitime prosequendi suam justam causam seu actionem decidendam per
viam cognicionis legitime habende inter dictum Andream ab una / et no-
bilem et potentem dominum Willelraum comitem Marescallie ab alia parti-
bus / penes legitimam deseruicionem unius breuis seu breuium perambula-
cionis et juste limitacionis terrarum de Gask cum pertinenciis pertinentium
prefato Andree jacentium in baronia de Slaines et infra vicecomitatum de
Aberdein • et terrarum de Inuernytie cum pertinenciis spectantium et
pertinentium prefato Willelmo comiti Marescallie jacentium in baronia de
Audehan / infra dictum vicecomitatum de Aberdene / in quadam curia
slue etiam curiis apud fundum terrarum predictarum seu prout visum fuerit
eo pretextu tenendis et habendis per honorabiles et discretos viros magis-

tros Alexandrum Johannem Mostrop • Johannem Majorybanks

et judices justiciarie deputatos ad hec per specialem

commissionem legatam conjunctim et diuisim in forma solita et consueta ut
asseritur diebus xiiij et xv'° mensis instantis Nouembris / seu etiam qui-

busuis aliis diebus horisque et locis competentibus in hac parte

literarum super dicto Andrea forsan aut solutionis alicuius

summe astricte sine obsignationis cujuscunque contractus alicubi obsio-nati
et non alias • Insuper vobis consimiliter absoluendos predictos judices de-
putatos necnon Jacobum Bannantyne Jacobum Millar et scribas

in premissis ac Dauid Spens officiarum necnon adjudicatores

ad premissa constitutos et quecunque alia membra curie sine curiarum ibi-
dem habendarum • necnon testes quoscunque necessaries ibidem nominandos
in genere et in specie prout visum fuerit ad affectum legitime deseruicionis

386 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

dicti breuis seu breuium perambulacionis et juste limitationis ut prefertur

habende ibidem a censuris et penis

ecclesiasticis predictis obsignatis . . . restrictionibus supradictis

nostram tenore presencium committimus potestatem • Datum sub signeto
nostro apud oppidum Edinburgi die quinto mensis Nouembris anno Domini
millesimo quingentesimo quinquagesimo quinto • consecrationis nostra
undecimo et ad regni primitialem sedem translationis nostre anno nono •
Per dictum reverendissimum dominum Sancti Andree Archiepis-
copum •

The sowme and effect of tbat whilk Walter Leisk of That Ilk declarit in
his liftime / sae far as he knew and hard / concerning the merchis of
the landis of the barony of Slainis pertaining to my lord Erie of Erroll
on the ane part / and the landis of the barony of Inuernytie perteining
to the Erie Merschall on the other part / the fourteinth and sixteinth
dayis respectme of Januari the yeir of God 1596 yeiris in presence of
Peter Hay of Bruckland Mr George Leissk bretheris son air to ....
Lesk of Fynnersye Alexander Hay in Ardmachorn Mr James Leisk
sone lawfuU to the said Walter Leisk of That Ilk Alexander Leisk
and Mr John Robertson conotaries witnesses respectiue ■ '

First / He says that before Flowdoun his umquhile father mareit

Hay daughter to the laird of MouquhaUis wha then was guderaane of Inuer-
nytie and had the town therof mainis and labouring / amangis quhome he
hard reportit that the said gudeman of Inuernyties sheiphird had biggit ane
sheip cott upon the south syde of the burn of Inuernytie / and umquhill
William Erie of Erroll herand of the bigging therof cam to the ground
wher the same wes biggit and demandit of the sheiphird wha dwalt therin
whome of he held the said house or wha aught that land • The sheip-
hird ansuerit that land wes the Erie of Errollis and his maister the laird of
MouhquhaUis in hamelenes had causit put up the cott for saftie of his
sheip in euil wedder upon his lordschipis ground • It wes ansuerit be the
said Erie / Gif he had said othirwayis he suld causit hang him upon the
balk of the said house /

Secondly / He declarit that he being in Essilmonth in the tyme of
umquhill Sir Patrick Cheyne of Essilmonth knycht / umquhill Alexander

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— SLAINES. 387

Fraser of Philorth having cum fra Aberdene fra sum peremptor dyatt
thair betuixt the Erie of Erroll and the Erie Merschell / wes demandit be
the said Sir Patrick what he had to do in Aberdene at that tyme / quha
ansuerit that he wes chargit upon the questionable debate of merches betuix
the landis of Gask perteining to the Erie of Erroll / and the landis of Inuer-
nytie perteining to the Erie MerscbeU / and therfore the said Sir Patrick
inquirit of him quhat he knew of that mater / he ansuerit apinlie as he
beleuit or othir wayis hard of common brute of the cuntrie / the burn of
Inuernytie wes richt merch betuix the landis foresaidis / etc.']

SLAINS.

[-^'jj LAINS hath for its tutelar Saint Ternan, chief
bishop of the Picts. The King's College hath the
patronage.

In this parish is a cave, (called The Dropping
ll Coi-e, and reckoned among the Wonders of Scot-
f^ land,) wherein the water, that drops down from
the roof continually, is, in a few hours, turned
into a sort of white stone. Mr. Andrew Melvil, the famous
stickler for presbyterian goverment under King James VI., has
in his Topography of Scotland, ' (printed befor Straloch's maps, ^)
given us a fine description of this cave, which has very much the
air of Lucretius, though the words be in a manner transcribed from
Buchanan's prose, which I have therefore set down over against
Melvil's verses :

Admiranda quidem vasto spelunca recessu, Est in ejus [Buchaniae] littore spe-

Littoreis excisum undis e rupibus antrum, lunca, cujus natura praetereunda non

Cujus native jugi de fornice lympha videtur. Aqua e natural! fornice gut-

Guttatim laticum distillans, vertitur omnis tatim distillans statim in lapidum py-

' [" Andreae Melvini Scotiae Topographia, ad Henricvm Fredericvm Principem."]
2 [J. Blaeu Theat. Orbis Terrarura, part v. Amstel. 1654. fol.]

388

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Chappel.

ramidas vertitur, ac nisi opera hominum
antrum subinde purgaretur, spatium
usque ad fornicem brevi compleretur.
Lapis autem qui ita gignitur velut
mediam naturam inter glaciem, et sax-
urn obtinet : est enim friabilis, neque
ad marmoris duritiem unquaui consoli-
descit.'

In lapidum cito pjramidas, saxumque gla-
ciemque

Inter naturae ambiguae, atque friabilis : ut
nee

Marmoris in robur durum unquani conso-
lidescat,

Sed nee dissiliat glaciei futilis instar ;

Quod nisi purgaret vis lianc humana sub-
inde

Talibus ilia brevi compleret moUibus an-
trum.

at Leask.

Here stood of old the parish church of Furvie, (dedicated *
to Saint Fidamnan, Abbot of Icolmkill, who died September the
twenty-third, A. D. D.cc.iv., having sate twenty-five years, f anno
aetatis seventy-seven,) overblown by the sands.

Slains Castle, hard on the sea, now ruinous;^ of old, the seat
of the Cummins, Earls of Buchan.

' [G. Buchanani Rcr. Scotic. Hist., lib. i., c. xxvii.]

* Second volume of the Aberdeen Breviary [, prop. Sanctorum pro temp, estiuali, xxiii.
Septembris : " Sancti Adampnani abbatis patroni apud Furui Aberdonensis dyocesis."

" On the estate of Captain Gordon, are the ruins of a very ancient chapel, called St.
Adamamnans Chapel. It has one arched Gothic window entire. It is situated in a hollow
at the side of a small rivulet." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. v., p. 276. Edinb.
1793.)

" The foundation of the old kirk of Forvie is still visible, being the only vestige through-
out the whole sands, commonly called the Links, which indicates that this district was once
the habitation of man. Graves have been discovered around it, but nothing found in them
except a few bones. On the estate of Leask, there is another ruin of a chapel. The place
where the altar stood is plainly discernible. It is small, but must be considered a fine old
ruin. One gable and Gothic window are still nearly entire, and the walls are overgrown
with ivy. It stands in the middle of a small plantation of stunted firs and alder, on a little
eminence gently rising from a swampy bottom, with a rivulet half enclosing it on the south
side. It is called St. Adamannan's Chapel." (New Statistical Account of Scotland, num.
ber xxxix., p. 593. Edinb. 1842.)]

t Colgan.

2 [" The ruins of the extensive old Castle of Slaines, once the residence of the Erroll
family, stand on the top of a rock jutting out into the sea, at an elevation of from one hundred

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— SLAINES. 389

[description of SLAINES. BY MR. ALEXANDER HEPBURN. M.DCC.XXI.'

First from the mouth of Ithan, is the parish of Slaines, in which stands the old
Castle of Slaines, upon a rock on the sea. And at a little distance is the parish
kirk, having the burial place of the family of Errol adjoining to it. Near two
miles to the north-west, stands the mannor of Leask, the residence of Robert Gum-
ming of Birnes. '

There is in this parish a fresh-water lake, large two miles in circumference,
which abounds with parches, pikes, etc. Near to the old castle, in a rock on the
sea, there's a cave, thorrow which are continually falling drops of water, mixt with
an earthy substance, which in process of time petrefies and turns to a hard white
stone.

Carta ■ Thome de Haya • ^ (a.d. 1377.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scotoruin • Omnibus \etc7\ Sciatis nos dedisse

[e<c.] carissimo filio nostro • Thome de Haya Constabulario nostro

to one hundred and twenty feet. Previous to the use of cannon, it must have been almost
impregnable, the only approach to it being by a narrow defile on the north, which a few
resolute men might have made good against any opposing force. Nothing of this ancient
castle now remains but three sides of a square tower, and some masses of masonry strewed
around it." (New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix., pp. 593, 594.)

" The Kingis Majestic come to Aberdein with his armie about the xv day of October
[1594]. The houssis of Straboggie and Slaynis, with the Newtoun, a gallant house, wer
distroyed and dimolischit, and the King rod theare to that effect in propper persone. His
Majestie remanit at Aberdein v or vj weekis, and depairting for skearsitie of wiueris left be-
hind him the duik of Lennox leiftennent." (Memoirs of the Affairs of Scotland. By David
Moysie, p. 120. Edinb. 1830. 4to.) See also Pitcairn's Criminal Trials, vol. i., p. 343.]

' [From Macfarlanc's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [From copies in the charter room at Slaines, collated with a charter of nearly the
same tenor in the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, pp. 135, 136, dated " apud Methfena quinto
die Januarij anno regni nostri Sexto."

In a roll of missmg charters of King Robert I., is " Carta Gilberti de Haya, of the
lands of Slanes, in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen." (Robertson's Index to the Charters,
p. 2.)

On the thirteenth of July, 1476, " in the actioun and causs persewit be Johne Kennedy
and Elizabeth countass of Eroll his [spous] aganis Johne Elder Andrew Talyoure Wilyam
Myll Alexander Tulidef of That Ilk Dauid Straitone Thome of Murray Elizabeth Fen-
toun George of Fentoun Andrew Murraye and James Gibsone / that is to saye the said
Johne Elder anent the wrangwiss withhalding fra thaim of xiiij boUis of mele and malt of

3 D

390 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Scocie • illas centum libratas terre cum pertinenciis in teneraento de
Slanys / infra vicecomitatum de Aberdein / que fuerunt dicti Thome •
et quas recolende memorie dominus auus et predecessor noster Dominus
Robertas Dei gracia Rex Scotorum illustris • quondam Gilberto de
Haya hereditarie dedit et concessit • Quasquidem terras [etc.'] dictus
Thomas [efc] spontanea voluntate sua nobis [etc.'] resignauit • Tenendas
[etc.'] de nobis [etc.] in feodo et hereditate [etc.] in unam integram et
liberam baroniam [etc.] Faciendo inde annuatim tres sectas curie vicecomi-
tatus de Aberdein ad tria placita capitalia • Et reddendo [etc.] annuatim
[etc.] vnum par calcarium deauratorum apud Slanys ad Festum Pente-
costes • nomine albe firme [etc.] In cuius rei testimonium presenti carte
nostre nostrum precepimus apponi sigillum • Testibus venerabili in Christo
patre Willelmo episcopo Sancti Andree • Johanne primogenito nostro
comite de Carrik senescallo Scocie • Roberto comite de Fyfe et de Men-
teth filio nostro dUecto • Willelmo comite de Douglas • Magistro Johanne
de Peblis archidiacono Sancti Andree cancellario nostro • Jacobo de
Lyndesay nepote nostro et Alexandre de Lyndesay militibus • Apud Dun-
de vltimo die Junij ■ anno regni nostri • Septimo •

the fermis and cornis of the landis of Ovu-ardmachane of four yeris bigain and of a marte
the price xij schillingis and viij schilHngis for certain scheip calUt the custume scheip and
of a dosane of pultre and foure capons pertening to the said Elizabeth be resoun of terce
And the said Andrew Talyour anent the wrangwiss withhaldin of the ferine of the landis
of the Ailehousshill of four yeris bigain extending to xxviij schillingis vij ferlottis of vit-
tale and iiij pultre / And the said William Mylne / vij bollis of vittale of the ferme of the
mylne of Furvy / The said Alexander Tulidef / vj bollis of vittale of the said termis and
X bollis of atis eallit custum atis and certain scheip callit custum scheip price vj s ij d and
xij capons and pultre / Dauid Straitoun xvij s yerly of vj yeris of the fermis of the landis
of Ardufry / Thome of Murray v ferlottis of mele of a terme bigain of the landis of
Tibirte / The said Elizabeth Fentoun v ferlottis of mele of the ferme of the landis of
Clochtow and xiij s iiij d and of a horss of a heryeld / The said George [of Fentoun]
xiij s iiij d ij bollis of ferme of ate mele of the landis of Callerte / Andrew Murraye
of the ate mele of the ferme of Brogane / James Gibsoun ij bollis of mele and malt
of the said ferme / [etc.] The lordis auditouris of causs and complaintis ripely
avisit decretis deliueris and ordanis that the said persons sal content and pay all the
vittale gudis money and fowlis foresaid to the said Johne and Elizabeth his spous [etc."'}
(Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p 50.) On the thirteenth of October 1475 there
was a plea regarding the terce of " the landis Balnatuthil Slanys and Furvy." (Id., p.
37.)]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— SLAINES.

391

XXX

xxix

viij dossane
xxviij

viij

My Ladies petitioun anent the plenissing within Logy and Slanis • ' (about

A.D. 1580.)
1 he geir within Slanis as foUoving quhilk ray Ladie desyris

Item of fedder bedis .....

Item of bowsteris .....

Item of pewter pleittis ....

Item of trunscheouris ....

Item of spittis .....

Item of raxsis .....

Item of pottis of brass and yring

Item of panis .....

Item of barrelis within the Place xxxviij heirof xxxiij barrelis for aill

Item of tyne quart stoppis iiij with ane chopin stoppe

Item of chandellaris xj heirof twa of trine

Item twa morteris with thair pestollis
The plenessing of Logy quhilk My Ladie desyiris as eftir foUowis quhilk

extendis skantlie to the half
In Logie according to the iuvitour xxj pair courtingis heirof My Ladie de-
syris ten pair to wit ane of the purper veluot beddis and haill furnessing
thairof curtingis coddis matt knappis scheittis of Holland cleith to wit ane
pair of beddescheittis and twa pair of heidscheittis sax coddis sax codvaris
of Holland cleith ane pair of courtingis of hew and quhyit drogitt twa
pair of grein plaiding courtingis • Item ane pair of courtingis of grein
sarge contening foir curting fitt curting and bak courting with the bout-
gane • Item ane pair of courtingis of red murtkey ■ ane pair of courtingis
of bew sey • Item ane pair of drogatt courtingis grein and reid / Item ane
pair of courting reid and quhyit / Item ane foir courting and ane boutgane
of blak growgrame / Item sevin aress warkis • with ane schowit covering
eriss stik Item of fedder beddis xij of bowsteris xij • Item thre quhyit
stikit raattis ■ Item of scottis coveringis xvj thairof fyifF red and yallow
lynnit • Item of fillit coddis and on fillit xxxvj / Item off lynning codvaris
xxvij / Item of bed plaidis sevin • Item of blankattis xxxij • Item fyiif pair
of lynning cleith held scheittis • Item of lynning scheittis xxv pair / Item
of rind scheittis sax pair / Item ane lang grein cleith for ane hie burde /

[From the original in the charter room at Slaines.]

392 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Item thre lytill grein burde cleithis for chalmeris / Item of lynning ser-
viettis four scoir ten / Item twa lynning copburd cleithis / Item of lynning
hand towellis x / Item of lynning burdcleith viij •

[/w dorso.'] To My Ladyes gredie and vnressonable desyris it is answerit •
That seing the haill plennising found in the House of Logie and the outvyle
of the plennesing left be hir in Slanis is all owir litill to plenneiss ane of
the Places • My Lord can spair na pairt thairof •

Carta inpignorationis tertie partis de Estirbalnatuthil •' (a. d. 1401.)
Vniuersis ad quorum notitiam presentes litere peruenerint Willelmus
Ussere dominus tertie partis de Estirbalmatuthill / Salutem in Domino ■
Noueritis me \_etc.'] impignorasse ac in pignus et vadium dimississe nobili
viro Willelmo de Haya filio et heredi Domini Thome de Haya militis
Constabularij Scocie • totam terram meam tertie partis de Estirbalma-
tuthill predicte cum pertinenciis / pro quinque libris sterlingorum [etc.'\
Tenendam [etc.'] quousque ego Willelmus Ussere predictus heredes mei et
assignati quinque libras sterlingorum prefato Willelmo de Haya et here-
dibus suis vel suis assignatis / apud ecclesiam de Furuie / in sicca pecunia
pro dicta terra persoluero vel persoluerint inter vnius diei solis ortum et
occasum [etc.'] In cuius rei testimonium presentibus sigillum meum appo-
sui / et pro maiori securitate et euidentia premissorum sigUlum discreti
viri Alexandri Bannerman presentibus apponi procuraui • Apud Aberdene
vicesimo tertio die mensis Junij / anno Domini millesimo quadringen-
tesimo primo •

Carta domini Willelmi de Forbes de Laskgoune • '^ (a.d. 1433.)

Omnibus [etc.] Robertus de Ereskyne miles dominus eiusdem / salutem
in Domino sempiternam • Sciant presentes et futuri me dedisse [etc.] no-
bili viro Willelmo de Forbes militi domino de Kynaldy • totam terram
meam de Laskgowune / cum omnibus suis pertinentijs / in Buchania • pro
fideli seruicio suo mihi impenso • Tenendam [etc.] de me et heredibus meis
in feodo [etc.] Faciendo [etc.] seruicium Scoticanum domino nostro Regi
quantum pertinet ad quartam partem unius dauate terre • Et reddendo

1 [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.] ^ [From the same.]

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— SLAINES. 393

[etc.'] michi et heredibus meis viginti solidos usualis monete regni Scocie
[jtc.l In cuius rei testimonium presenti carte mee slgillum meum est appen-
sum / Hijs testibus nobilibus viris • domino Gilberto de Haia milite ■
Roberto de Grahame de Inchmauchy • Johanne de Bruys de Clack-
mannan • Thoma de Weymis filio et herede Duncani de Weymis •
Thoma Besate • Thoma de Stratouu • et Johanne Brown de Kennet •
apud Aberdene vicesimo prime die raensis Junij anno Domini millesimo
quadringentesimo tricesimo tertio •

Carta Gilberti Menzeis de terris de Lasgowunie • ' (a.d. 1435.)

Omnibus [etc.'] Willelmus Forbes miles de Kynaldy / salutem in Domino
sempiternam • Sciatis me [etc.] vendidisse Gilberto Menzeis burgensi de
Aberden / tolas terras meas de Lasgowunie cum omnibus suis pertinen-
ciis / iacentes in Buchania infra vicecomitatum de Aberden [etc.] Tenen-
das [etc.] predicto Gilberto et Isabelle sponse sue et eorum diutius
viuenti [etc.] de domino superiore dicte terre in feodo [etc.] In cuius
rei testimonium sigillum meum presentibus est appensum apud Aberdene
tertio die mensis Nouembris anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo
tricesimo quinto • Testibus • Alexandre de Setoun domino de Gordoun •
domino Alexandre de Forbes de eodem • domino Alexandre de Irwyne de
Drum / militibus • Thoma de Camera • Johanne de Fyfe • Johanne de
Vans ■ et Johanne Voket / burgensibus dicti burgi • cum multis aliis •

Ane testificatiene of the lard of Ardendracht bailye of the baronry of Slanis
that the landis of Bregan pertenit in properte to the Erll of Erroll • ^
(a.d. 1436.)

Til al and syndry thir present letteris to her or to sie Gilbert the Hay
knycht of Dronlaw and bailye til a nobil lorde and a mychti Schyr Wilyam the
Hay Constabil of Scotlande / of the baronry of Slanis / greting in Gode ay-
lestande / iforthi that medeful and meretabill thingis is to ber witnas to the
suthfastnes and namly in tha thingis that befor jugis ar dene / To yhur vniuer-

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines. A precept of sasine, by Sir William of
Forbes of Kynaldy, of the same date, is addressed " Jacobo de Skeene de eodem et Wil-
lelmo Rede de Collistoune baliuis suis in hac parte."]

^ [From the original in the charter room at Slaines.]

394 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

site I mak knawin that in the hede court of Slanis throu me haldyn at
Artrowquhi the ffyft day of Octobre the yer of oure Lorde a thousande foure
hundreth therti and sex yer / Comperit befor me Richarde the Hay the sone
quhilum of Edmunde the Hay and schew a letter of pouer of his moder
Mergarit of Brogane to put a soytur to the lordis of courte of Slanis for-
saide for the landis of Brogane / the quhilk letter of pouer rede the saide
Lorde Constabil vp stude in the courte and saide That thai landis of Brogane
war his awne landis in properte and his fee and heritagis and hade bene in
to thaim mony wynteris and yeris bygane wonnyn and recouerit be lauchfull
processe for the defaute of schauyne of thar charteris and ressesit agayne
in his handis and was pesabil and lauchful possessour of thaim in properte /
apon the quhilkis he schiev his processe and his dome giffin and the
reseysing tharof agayne in his handis with sufEciande witnas / Apon the
quhilkis the forsaide lorde for eschewyng of mwrmwr of peipil requirit me
of myne otBce to giff knawlagis be a gude assise of al thir thingis forsaide
that knew and viste this processe forsaide / Apon the quhilkis in the presens
of the forsaide Richard I gert rase ane assise of the gentillys of the cuntre
of the quhilkis thir ar the namys / Filp of Crafurde of Fedrath / V^ilyam of
Panton of Petmedane / Wilyam Rede of Colistoune / Wmfra Lask of That
Ilk / Alexander Eraser / Edwarde Lwyot / Jon Banerman / Jon Mowate /
Jon of Crafurde / Jon the Hay / Thome Kymdy / Jon Banerman eldar /
Androu Jonson / Richarde Walcar / Sym of Foreste / Androu Walas /
Thom Paterson / Robert of Slanis / Jon Michelson / Androu Nicholson /
and Jon Donaldson ■ The quhilk gude assise the gret atht sworne herde the
processe forsaide rede / and yede out of the courte haffande that processe
with thaim / bade furth lang space and ryply awysitly in come agayn with
hale consent laide thar speche apon Wilyam Rede / the quhilk Wilyam
playnly and with opyn voyse out geff and saide That the processe was
suthfaste and lauchfully done in it selff and dome giffin tharvpon / and
that thai knew wele the resesyng of the landis of Brogane forsaide agayn
in the said lordis handis / and at the forsaide landis with the pertenans has
remanyt with the forsaide lorde in properte syn the resesyng of thaim xiij
yeris and mar bygane ■ And this til al that afferis or may affer to I mak
knawin be thir present letteris to the quhilkis I haue put my sele in wit-
nesyng of the thingis forsaide / the day yer and place beforsaide •

PRESBYTERY OF ELLON— SLAINES. 395

Instrumentum super terris de Lask et Achlethin •' (a. d. 1456.)

In Dei nomine • Amen • Per hoc presens publicum instrumentum cunctis
pateat euidenter / Quod anno ab incarnatione Domini miUesimo quadrin-
gentesimo quinquagesimo sexto • mensis vero Nouembris die quarto • In-
dictione quinta ■ pontificatus sanctissimi in Christo patris ac domini Domini
nostri Calisti diuina prouidentia pape • iij ■ anno secundo • In mei notarij
publici et testium subscriptorum presentia personaliter constitutus Ulfridus
Lask de eodem stans coram Domino Comiti de Erolle intelligibili voce
dicebat / Domine Comes de Erolle et superior mens baronie de Slaines ego
Ulfridus Lask non metu ductus nee errore lapsus set spontanea mea volun-
tate ac proprio motu / omnes et singulas terras meas de Lask et Achlethin
cum pertinentiis jacentes in comitatu Buchanie infra vicecomitatum Aber-
donensem in baronia vestra de Slaines quas de vobis teneo in capite / per
fustum et baculum personaliter sursum reddo pureque simpliciter resigno ac
totum ius et clameum que in dictis terris habui habeo vel habere potero pro
me et heredibus meis omnino quietum clamo inperpetuum / itaque nee ego
predictus Ulfridus [e<e.] ius aliquid vel iuris clameum exigere vel vendicare
potero [etc.'] set quod vos Domine mi disponere valeatis de eisdem de vestro
libito voluntatis • • Et incontinenter adhuc presenti me notario dictus mag-
nus dominus Comes de Erolle Wiilelmus et dominus baronie predicte de
Slaines concessit et dedit suo armigero Thome Lask filio et heredi Ulfridi
Lask et heredibus suis omnes illas terras predictas de Lask et Achlethen
cum pertinentiis inperpetuum / secundum tenorem carte sue super hoc
plenius confecte [e^c] Super quibus [etc.'] dictus dominus Comes Wiilel-
mus de Erolle Constabularius Scocie Dominus de le Hay ac dominus
baronie de Slaines a me notario infrascripto sibi fieri petijt publicum instru-
mentum • Acta fuerunt hec in cimiterio ecclesie de Slaines hora quasi
undecima ante meridiem / sub anno mense Indictione et pontificatu quibus
supra • Presentibus honorabUibus et discretis viris Alexandro Hay de
Mouhall / Willelmo Rede de Collistoun / Domino Nicholao Blar rectore
de Dunnottar / domino Alexandro Bannerman capellano / Johanne clerico
et multis aliis [etc.]

Et ego Johannes Haddingtoun capellanus Sanctiandree diocesis publicus
auctoritate imperiali notarius [etc.]

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.]

396 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Preceptum sasine domini de Glamis super terris de Colistoun • ' (a.d. 1498.)

Johannes dominus le Glamys baro baronie de Balhelwy dominusque supe-
rior omnium et singularum terrarum de Colistoune cum pertinenciis /
dilectis nostris Gilberto Wausse de Many Ancbee TulydaiF de eodem et
Willelmo Turin de Tibirtaw balliuis nostris [e<c.] salutem • Quia dedimus
et hereditare concessimus dilecto nostro consanguineo Patricio Red omnes
et sino-ulas terras • nostras de Colistoune predictas cum pertinenciis ja-
centes infra baroniam nostram de Balhelwy et infra vicecomitatum de
Abbirden [etc.'] vobis igitur [etc.] precipiendo mandamus quatenus dicto
Patricio Red [etc.] sasinam [etc.] dictarum terrarum [etc.] tradatis [etc.]
In cuius rei testimonium sigillum nostrum presentibus est appensum apud
Glamys nono die mensis Augusti anno Domini millesimo • quadringen-
tesimo • nonagesimo octauo • Coram hiis testibus Johanne Ross filio et
heredi apparenti domini de Cragy Dauid Lyoune fratre nostro germane
magistro Dauid Hay Thoma Lyoune Thoma TuUo Patricio Wausse et
Magistro Johanne Maxwale notario publico • cum diuersis aliis

Jhon lord Glamis]

• [From the original in the charter room at Slaines.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— OLD DEER. 397

IN THE PRESBYTERY OF DEER.

DEER, OR OLD DEER.

^^^^^^^EER is SO called from Dear, which, (in Irish,) is
' " ' an Oak-wood, as this parish of old in some
measure was ; but the inhabitants, who have for-
got the Irish, fancy it was named from the deer
in it. This church has an isle for the Keiths.
The Earl Marishal is the patron. Deer and
Ellon are called the two most populous country
parishes in this diocese.

Here was the Abbay of Deer, and a Chappel at Knevin. Chappei.

On AiKY-BRAE here, (that is, the Hill of Oaks,) are certain
stones,' called The Cummin's Craige, where 'tis said one of the

' [" There were, not many years ago, the remains of upwards of a dozen Druidical
circles in this parish. One of them, situated on the hill of Parkhouse, not far from the
village of Deer, is the most entire." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xvi., p.
481. Edinb. 1795.) " The principal or altar stone, placed as usual on the south side,
and lying with its ends east and west, is fourteen and a half feet long, five and a half feet
broad, and four and a half feet deep : the gross weight of it, at eleven cubic feet per ton,
would exceed twenty-one tons. The diameter of the space enclosed, or comprehended by
the circle, is forty eight feet. Only four of the upright stones remain, and are about
fourteen feet asunder." (New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxv., p. 150.
Edinb. 1840.) " At the distance of about five hundred yards, on the north-east side of
the same hill, were, not long ago, the ruins of a small village, commonly called by the
country people Pights' or Picts houses. A number of little yards were to be seen all
around it, one of which still retains a superior verdure, and serves now to show the spot
where the village once stood. It consisted of fifty or sixty mossy huts, from six to twelve
feet square, irregularly huddled together ; hence it got the name of The Bourachs. The
walls were built of stones of a small size and clay; the floors were paved with stones.
Two circular huts, containing some ashes, seem to have been corn Icilns." (Stat. Ace. of
Scot., vol. xvi., pp. 481, 482 ; New Stat. Ace. of Scot., number xxv., p. 150 ; Cordi-
ner's Antiquities and Scenery of the North of Scotland, pp. 43, 44.) " On the top of the
Hill of Bruxie, and at Den of Howie, near Fetterangus, there are traces of fortifications
and encampments ; and near the foot of Aikey-brae, there is a cluster of tumuli, pointing
out the graves of warriors, who fell in a bloody contest reported to have taken place be-
tween Edward, the brother of King Robert Bruce, and Gumming, the Earl of Buchan."
(New Stat. Ace. of Scot., number xxv., p. 147.)]

398 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Cummins, Earl of Biichan, by a fall from his horse at hunting,
dashed out his brains. The prediction goes, that this Earl, (quho
lived under King Alexander III.,) had called Thomas the Rhymer
by the name of Thomas the Lyar, to shew how much he slighted
his predictions ; whereupon that famous fortune-teUer denounced
his impending fate to him in these words, which, 'tis added, were
all fulfilled literally :

Though Thomas the Lj'ar thou call'st me,
A sooth tale I shall tell to thee :
B}' Aiky-side thy horse shall ride,
He shall stumble, and thou shalt fa' ;
Thy neck-bane shall break in twa.
And dogs shall thy banes gnaw :
And, maugre all thy kin and thee,
Thy own belt thy bier shall be.

Mannours. PiTFOUR, a haudsome little seat, built by the present Mr. Fer-

guson of Pitfour ; but this estate belonged, in the last age. to
the Bodies.

Mickle-Crichie.

Little-Crichie.

[DESCRrPTlON OF OLD DEER. Br MR. ALEXANDER HEPBURN. M.DCC.XXI.'

The parish of Old Deer is bordered on the north with the river Eugie ; and
thorow it runs a litle river eastward. In it are the manners of Glackriach, now in
the hands of creditors : down the river, on the north side, is the mannor of Bruxie,
the dwelling of James Keith of Bruxie ; and, a little below it, the ruines of the
Abbay of Deer, which has been a great building, pleasantly situated on the brink
of the little river, to the south of a hill. About half a mile eastward, is the village
of Old Deer, in which stands the parish kirk, an old building. To the north lyes
the mannor of Pitfour, built and inhabited by James Ferguson of Pitfour. Near
two miles to the north, on the river Eugie, is the mannor of Gavile, the residence
of Thomas Forbes, wadsetter of Gavile. In the south part of this parish, stands
the mannor of Anachie, belonging to Garden of Troup ; and, some two miles or
more to the north-east of this place, lyes Over Kinmundy, the jointure house of

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— OLD DEER. 399

the Dowager of Pitlurg. In this parish is liliewise Little Creichie, belonging to
Captain John Stewart ; and Meikle Creichie, the dwelling place of Keith of Meikle
Creichie.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARISH OF OLD DEER. M.DCC.XXIII. BY MR. WILLOX.'

The parish of Deer, commonly called Old Deer, in the province of Buchan, in
the shire of Aberdeen, hath, to the north, the parish of Strichen ; to the west, the
parish of Auchreddy, now New Deer, because it was taken off the parish of
Deer ; to the south, the parish of Ellon ; to the east, the parish of Longside, and a
part of the parish of Lonmay.

The house of Pitfour, with good gardens, parks, and inclosures, lately built by
Mr. James Ferguson of Pitfour, advocate, ^ is north from the church a short mile.
To the north-east of Pitfour, one mile and a half, stands the house of Gavil, upon
the south side of a branch of Ugie, known by the name of the water of Strichen.
The house of Kinraundie, a mansion house of the laird of Pitlurg, is to the south-
east of the church, three miles, and to the west of Peterhead, four miles. To the
west of Kinmundy, about two miles, is the house of Denns, alias Little Creichie,
newly built by Captain John Steuart of Denns, and is situate one mile and a half
south of the church. The house of Annachie lyes south-west of Denns, one mile
and a half, large. To the north thereof, about one mile and a half, is the house
of Meikle Creichie. The house of Clackriah is distant from this Creichie, a
large mile, west. North-east of Clackriah is the house of Bruxie, at one and a
half miles distance, situate on the north side of a burn quhich falls into the Ugie,
near the abbey of Deer. Two miles north-east of Bruxie, is the house of Auch-
renie, two miles large north of the church.

1 [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [The son of this gentleman, " James Ferguson of Pitfour, came to the bar on
the seventeenth of February, 1722. He was elected Dean of the Faculty of Ad-
vocates, in the room of Robert Dundas of Arniston, on the twenty-fourth of June, 1760,
and held that honourable office till his promotion to the bench, in 1764, when he took his
seat, on the fourteenth of June in that year, by the title of Lord Pitfour. On the ninth
of July following, he also succeeded William Grant of Prestongrange as a Lord of Justi-
ciary, which he resigned in April, 1776, and died at Gilmerton on the twenty-fifth of
June, 1777, in the seventy-seventh year of his age." (Brunton and Haig's Historical Ac-
count of the Senators of the College of Justice, p. 527.) His lordship is said to have
written " A true method of treating light hazeley ground : or an exact relation of the
practice of farmers in Buchan ; containing rules for infields, outfields, haughs, and laighs.
By a small society of farmers in Buchan. Edinb. 1735. 8vo." (Gough's British To-
pography, vol. ii., p. 651.)]

400 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

The church of Deer is situated, in a pleasant bottom, upon the south bank of a
very beautiful] small river, called Ugie, which takes its rise in the moors of
Fetherat, about seven miles west ; and, after various meanders, where it has very
fruitful meadows on both sides, it runs straight east, closs by the house of Inver-
ugie to the west ; and in its course receives several rivulets, whereby its stream
is much augmented, and falls into the sea, one mile and a half north of Peter-
head, exactly east of the church of Deer. It abounds with salmond, trouts of
severall kinds ; and often by the industrious are out of it fished pearls, some
whereof are of considerable value.

Upon the north bank of Ugie, one mile and a half west of the church, stand the
ruins of once a very great structure, which was a monastery of Cistercians,
erected and endued by William Gumming, vulgo the Black Gumming, the last
Earle of Buchan, of that name, who had the misfortune to be cut off, with almost
the whole of his tribe, by King Robert Bruce.

This Earl of Buchan, dying without heirs male, left two daughters, the one
whereof was mairied to one of the predecessors of the Earl Mareschal, and the
other to the eldest son of the family of MaiT ; by which daughters both familys
got considerable additions to their estates ; the Earl of Buchan's lands being divided
between them. It seems the men of those times were not so nice upon land
marches as now : for, upon the south side of Mormount, (a great hill, noith of the
church of Deer about six miles,) there was erected a very high stone, (vulgarly
known by the name of the Huntstone of Mormount) ; to the south whereof, at five
miles distance, and in view of the first, upon the top of a hill near the house of
Pitfour, another high stone, perpendicularly set up ; and, south of the second, a
third stone, at Denns, or Meikle Greichie, in view of the second ; two miles
distant, and south of the third, a fourth stone, at Parcook, and in view of the
third, like a meridian line ; the lands on either side falling, it seems, by lot to the
two families above-mentioned ; whence it is that, to this day, the Earl of Marr has
several superiorities in this and the adjacent parishes.

The too forward zeal of our forefathers, at the Reformation, demolished this
beautiful and spacious monastery, and obliged the monks to go beyond seas. One
of them was proselyted to the Reformation, and was the first reformed minister
of the church of Deer. The abbey was conferred on George Earl Mareschall,
to be called the lordship of Altrie, in some measure to compensate the charges
of his embassy to Denmark about the King's marriage.

The church of Deer was long built before the abbey, and was never sub-
ject to it. It was one of the ecclesie matrices, or mother churches of these
bounds.

It stands on a knoll, or riseing ground, called Top Tillery, about which we
have the following tradition : The ffounders, intending to build the church on a

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— OLD DEER. 401

neighbouring hill, called BifBe, south-west of Deer about a quarter^ of a mile, as
they were digging for a foundation, heard a voice saying :

It is not here

Ye'U big the kirk of Deer,

But on Top Tillery,

Where many corps man lye. '

Almost around the church is a small village, with convenient lodging for travel-
lers. The King's highways from Aberdeen to Fraserburgh, and from Strath-
boggie, Turreff, etc., to Peterhead, here intersect one another. The village is
adorned with new laid streets, being very dirty before. To the east end of the
church is a well built school house, with a slate roof. Within a hundred paces of
the village, to the north-west, is the manse, a handsome lodging, lately rebuilt at
the cost of the heritors. The glebe is a large tract of land, far exceeding
the legal.

This village of Deer has the priviledge of two great fairs in the year, and a
weekly market, which pays custom, if demanded. The place of receiving the
custom is called the tolstone, a large high stone erected in the street. It is
famous of late for a small skirmish at it, between the commons of the parish, and
some people of Aberdeen, in conjunction with the presbytry of Deer, to the
number of seventy horse, or therby, who had assembled on the twenty-third of
March, 1711, to force in a presbyterian teacher, in opposition to the parish ; but
the presbytry and their satelits were soundly beat off by the people, not without
blood on both sides. ^

' [" There is a legend, that when some pious individuals formed the design of building
a house for the worship of God, and selected such spots, one after another, as their own
judgment, inclination, or convenience, might have led them to prefer, while they saw no
person, they heard a voice thus accost them :

• It is not here, it is not here.

That ye' re to big the Kirk of Deer,

But on the tap o' Tillery,

Where mony a corpse sail after lie.' "
(New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxv., pp. 146, 147.) See Sir Walter Scott's
Lay of the Last Minstrel, cant, i., st. xii., note.]

2 [" May, 1711. The bussiness of the setlment of Old Deer by Mr Gordon, son
to Provost Gordon, the last moneth, or in March, made a great nobe, and ther is a false
and perverse accompt of it given by the Post Boy, in the close of Aprile, (which vide.J
The matter, in short, came to this : Mr Gordon, a very pretty youth, had a presbiteriall
call, (if I mistake it not,) to that parish. The gentlemen are very much against a presbi-
terian setlment ; houever, the presbitry went on, and fixed a day for his ordination.

402 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

At the east end of the village is a large wooden bridge, and to the north,
another of the same sort, over the Ugie, each having two chanels for course of the

When it came, Mr Gordon and his father, and several of his friends and some ministers,
(who had all a great value for him,) came to wait on him ; and fearing a rable, ther wer
some arms among them. When the presbitry and they came to the place, they found the
church guarded, and the outter gate of the church not only locked, but barricaded with
stones. They had a favourable justice of the peace with them, and the presbitry instru-
mented, in terms of the act of parliament, to make patent dores for them. All this time
noe body appeared; but as soon as the justice of peace ordered his constables and others
to goe to the outter gate of the churchyard, and force it open, and the presbitry and Mr
Gordon's men went after them into a natrou passe, between the side-wall of one house and
the gavell of another, and are all standing in a throng, the house topes fill full of people
with stones, etc., which they throu doun upon thcra standing all together in the passe, and
hurt some ministers and others. Upon which, two musketts were discharged in the air to
fright them ; but this not prevailing, the Aberdeen's men, several of them bemg hurt,
offered to shoot among the rable, but wer prevailed with by the ministers to desist, other-
wise there had been severall lives lost in the case. The presbitry and company retired,
and ordeaned Mr Gordon in a neighbouring church. Mean while, the rable they rise and
insult all the people in the place that wer for Mr Gordon, and goe in to the house, where
some interteanement was prepared for the presbitry and company by Mr Gordon's freinds,
and bring out all the meat, and ale, and wine ; and drink, as is said, the Pretender's
health in the streets !

This moneth, when the justice-clerk, my Lord Grange, goes up to Aberdeen, he took
up the matter. Criminall letters wer raising, which putt the gentlemen concerned in
some fear. When they come to talk with my Lord Grange, he told them it would stand
hard with them. Whereupon ane accomodation is proposed, and both sides submitt to the
justice-clerk, in a private capacity, as arbitrator ; and the conditions he proposed, and
which wer aggreed to, wer, That Mr Gordon, the second Sabbath of May, should have
peacable access to the church, manse, etc. ; that the principal rablers should appear before
the congregation, and be rebuked, and acknowledge their fault ; that the gentlemen should
refound all the expense of the prosecution and rable, which came near to forty pounds
sterling ; that they should engage, for themselves and their tennents, they should not
countenance any other in that parish but Mr. Gordon, nor hear any other ; and a bill was
drauen for the money and accepted." (Wodrow's Analecta, vol. i., pp. 328, 329.) See
also Report on Church Patronage, (Scotland,) pp. 479, 480. " I have," says Dr. Lee, " in
my possession a letter from Mr Auchinleck, minister at Fraserburgh, to Mr Spence, agent
for the church of Scotland, dated January 1st, 1713, in which the writer states, that the
Master of Saltoun had said to him, that the rabble of Old Deer procured the Acts of To-
leration and Patronages." {Id., p. 418.)

This tumult is the subject of Meston's doggrel poem, " Mob contra Mob ; or, The
Rabblers Rabbled." See The Poetical Works of the ingenious and learned William Mes-
ton, A.M., sometime professor of philosophy in the Marshal College of Aberdeen, pp.
197—221. Edinb. 1767. 12roo.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— OLD DEER. 403

water. About half a mile west, near by the old abbey, to the south of it, is a
very handsome stone bridge, of one arch, newly put up, at the charges of a cha-
ritable gentleman, James Keith of Bruxie, one of the heritors here, and who had
sometime before erected a pretty little stone bridge, south, and near by, his house
of Bruxie, on a branch of Ugie, formerly mentioned.

To the north-east of the church, one mile and a half, stand the ruines of ane
old chapell, called Fether-Angus, which was a free chappelrie, and independent on
the church of Deer, (though it seems it did on St. Fergus,) but had a distinct parish
of its own, which now is annexed to this parish, ' but to this day continues to be
within the jurisdiction of the shire of Banff, though envirroned on all sides with the
shire of Aberdeen. Tiie chappel has its own place of burying, adjacent to it ; and
it is very remarkable, that, before the death of any old inhabitant, within that
parish, there is a bell heard ring in the churchyard, though no such thing is to be
seen there. This I had from ear witnesses.

To the east of the church, about two hundred paces on the east side of the
Ugie, stands, on a high ground, a large meeting house of an episcopal congrega-
tion, put up at charges of the parishioners, who, for the most part, are hearers in
it, and have a regular clergjnuan for their minister, and the liturgy of the church
of England for the plan of their worship.

This parish in general is good for corns and pasture, and once was almost
covered with wood ; instead whereof, we have great plenty of moss and muir. It
is crediblj' told, that the roof of the church, of good oak, grew on a hill, a mile
west of it, called Aikiehill, which now is little better than a bare rock.

Within these seven years, at a place called Little Kirkhill, two miles south-
west of the church, an urn, after the Roman fashion, full of human bones and
ashes, was found under ground by a countryman delving turff, and was deposited
there again. ^

There are very many remains of the places of pagan worship are to be seen in
it, all built in a circular form, of great tall stones, perpendicularly set up.

' [" The parish of Fetter- Angus, which is a detached portion of the county of Banff,
and lies along the north-east side of Deer, was annexed to this parish in the year 1616.
Before that period, the cure of the former was served by the minister of St. Fergus. The
foundation of the church, which like the parish has been small, is to be seen, and the
churchyard is still used for burial-ground." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xvi.,
p. 469. Edinb. 1795.) The parish of Fetter-Angus " is generally supposed to be a
detached portion of a great barony, the body of which constitutes the parish of St. Fergus,
that belonged to a family of the name of Cheyne, who had their castle or principal residence
at Inverugie." (New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxv., p. 138.)]

^ [" A cairn on the hill of Auchmacher was opened some years ago, and an urn was
found in it, having its mouth adorned with a great number of small jet black substances,
circular and perforated." (Stat. Ace. of Scotland, vol. xvi., p. 482. Edinb. 1793.)]

404 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

In the whole parish are thirteen corn mihis. The principal one, with a conve-
nient gentlemanly lodging, called miln of Aden, lyes to the south-south-east of
the church, about a quarter of a mile.

Carta Alexandri Senescalli • ' (a.d. 1383.)

Robertus etc • Sciatis nos dedisse [etc.'] dilecto filio nostro Alexandre
Senescalli genito inter nos et dilectam nostram Mariam de Cardny omnes
et singulas terras nostras de Lovnan cum pertinenciis que fuerunt quondam
Ricardi Movet infra vicecomitatum de Forfar [etc.'] necnon omnes et sin-
gulas terras nostras de Petfovre cum pertinenciis infra vicecomitatum de
Abirden • [etc.] Apud Perth decimoquinto die Januarij anno regni nostri
duodecimo •

Carta de Kynmunedy • ^ (a.d. 13(56—1407.)

Omnibus banc cartam visuris vel audituris Willelmus de Keth dominus
eiusdem Marescallus Scocie Salutem in Domino sempiternam Nouerit
vestra vniuersitas nos dedisse [etc.'] dilecto nostro Thome Fraser omnes
terras nostras de Kynmonedy cum pertinenciis in baronia de Alden ' infra
vicecomitatum de Abirden pro homagio et seruicio suo in recompensa-
cionem et excambium pro terris de Petyndrech cum pertinenciis infra vice-
comitum de Strevelyng Tenendas [etc.] dicto Thome et heredibus suis
de corpore suo legitime procreatis seu procreandis de nobis et heredibus
nostris in feodo [etc.] I Faciendo [etc.] tres sectas annuatim ad nostra tria
placita capitalia tenenda infra dictam baroniam nostram de Alden pro
omni alio seruicio [etc.] In cuius rei testimonium sigillum nostrum pre-
sent! carte nostre fecimus apponi hijs testibus nobili viro Domino Willelmo
de Lyndesay milite domino de le Byres Domino Roberto de Keth railite
Alexandre de Keth filijs nostris carissimis Alexandre de Strathechyn de
Lethynturk et Roberto Burnard cum multis aliis]

1 [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 164.]

2 [From the original in the charter room at Castle Fraser.]

3 [See above, p. 250. In a roll of lost charters of King Robert I., is " Carta Roberti
de Keith, Marshell of Scotland, of the lands of Alneden and Auchidouenald etc. in vice-
coraitatu de Aberdeen." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 2.) King David II.
granted a charter " to Edward Keith, of the Forest of Kintore and barony of Alneden,
the Forest of Cardenauche, in Buchan, in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen." (Id., p. 33.) See
as to the same " baronia de Aldene," the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 224.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— NEW DEER.

405

Mr.

NEW DEER, OR AUCHREEDIE.

EW DEER was, at first, called Auchreedie,' from
a village of that name, near which it stands. The
Earl Marishal is the patron. This church was
built, A. D. M.DC.xxii., by the Earl Marishal and
the other possessors; the parish being wholly
taken out of that of Old Deer. It has four silver
chalices, raised out of the gifts of the congrega-
David Sibbald, minister here, under Bishop Haly-

tion by
burton.

Here was, of old, the parish church of Fetterangus,'- (annexed
to Aberbrothok Abbay,) and in the shire of Banf, as all that be-
longed to that parish is still reckoned.

at Savach.

at Chappelton.

Fedderet,^ a ruinous castle, possessed, (of old, by the Craw-
fords ; and, in the last age, together with Artamford and Brucklaw,

Chappels.

' [" The name of Auchreddy is engraved on tlie communion cups and plates, witli the date
1694." (The New Statistical Account oi' Scotland, number xxv,, p. 175. Edinb. 1840.)]

' [The parish of Fetterangus is annexed to that of Old Deer. See above, p. 403.]

3 [" The House of Fedderat was, of old, reckoned a great strenth ; and, about the Revo-
lution, some dayes after the battle of Cromdil, severall gentlemen of the King's pairty came
there, and caused the country people carry in a great deal of provisions for them ; but, after
the regular forces had lyen some four weeks before it, they surrendered and were carryed
abroad on the governments charge.

The head of the water of Eugy comes from a town in the lands of Fedderat called
Whytstanes, being a pretty high ground. It hes three considerable spring wells on it :
one, the head of Eugy ; ane other runs into Divran ; the third runs to Ithan : all waters
very far distant from one another." (" Description of the parish of New Deer, 1723, with
a draught of Ugie, by Mr. Fergusson," in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.)

" About two miles north from the church stands an old castle, Fedderatt, which appears
to have been a place of considerable strength. It is surrounded partly by a fosse, and
partly by a morass, so that there could have been no access to it, but by a causeway, (which
is still visible,) and a drawbridge. Water, it seems, had been conveyed to it by means of
pipes; for pieces of them have, at different times, been torn up by the plough." (Statisti-
cal Account of Scotland, vol. ix., p. 191. Edinb. 1795.)]

3 F

406 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

by Irvine of Drum ; from whom they descended to some of his
cadets ; but,) now, by the Earl of Aberdeen.

Aetamfoed, the seat of Irvin of Artamford, brother to Irvin of
Crimond.

Beucklaw, lately possessed by Irvin, (son to the parson of
Towie,) now by one Dingwal.

Baeeak,' the seat of Gordon of Barak.

Netheemuie, lately the seat of Gordon of Nethermuir, (of the
Gordons of Haddo,) now belonging to the Earl of Aberdeen.

Beuxie, the house of Keith of Bruxie.

CtTLSH,- lately the seat of Lindsay of Culsh, now purchased by
one Fordyce.

' [" At Barrach, in the parish of New Deer, a peasant digging for stones, in a Druid
temple, found, about eighteen inches below the surface, a flat stone lying horizontally ; and,
on raising it, he discovered an urn, full of human bones, some of which w'ere quite fresh ;
but, on being touched, they crumbled into dust. This urn had no bottom, but was placed on
a flat stone, such as covered its top. And, about a yard from this excavation, another urn
was found, containing similar remains." (Chalmers' Caledonia, vol. i., p. 85, citing " Scots
Magazine, 1772, p. 581.")

" There are occassionally found urns of baked clay, filled with human bones and ashes.
Not long ago, a farmer, in the neighbourhood of the village, in improving a piece of
ground, dug up six of these. These urns had neither top nor bottom. They were like
chinmey cans of baked clay, rudely formed, about fifteen inches long, and filled with bones
and ashes.

" A Druidical temple, about a mile north of the village, still retains the name of • The
Standing Stones of Culsh,' though the stones stand there no longer, having been taken
away, about seventy years ago, to build the old manse." (The New Statistical Account of
Scotland, number xxv., p. 177.)

" Remains of several Druidical temples are to be seen. The place where one of them
stood is about half a mile north from the church, and still retains the name of ' The Standing
Stones.' In view of this, and about a mile from the church, directly south, there was
another. This is not yet all removed. There are also several small cairns, some of which
have been dug up, and found to contain urns inclosed in stone cofiins. The coffins were
composed of flags of stone from three to four feet long, and so closely laid together, that no
dust could penetrate." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. ix., p. 191.)]

2 [" Dr. Mavor, [the reverend William Fordyce Mavor, ll.d., rector of Woodstock
and Stonesfield,] a celebrated compiler of voyages, travels, etc., was a native of this parish,
being born in the land of Culsh." (New Stat. Ace. of Scot., number xxv., p. 177.) The
publications of this industrious and prolific writer will be found enumerated in Watts'
Bibliotheca Britannica.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— NEW DEER. 407

AucHREEDlE, formerly the seat of Forbes of Auchreedie, now

[description of new deer. by MB. ALEXANDER HEPBURN. M.DCC.XXI.'

Nixt eastward is the parish of New Deer, in which we have the kirk. Two miles
to the north, is the mannor of Culsh, the dwelling of William Lindsay of Culsh.
At a little distance to the north-east, is the strong castle of Feddrat, belonging to
Forbes of Balogie. A mile eastward from this, is the castle of Bruckly, the resi-
dence of Mr. William Dingwall of Bruckly. Southward, lyes the mannor of Ar-
tamphort, the residence of William Irvine of Artamphort. A little to the south, is
Oldmad, a wadsett of the estate of Marischal, in the possession of John Gordon of
Nether Muire. In the south-east part of this parish, are the mannors of Nether
Muire, the dwelling place of the said John Gordon ; and that of Auchnagat, be-
longing to Shives.

Carta Fergusij comitis de Buchan / de Fedreth -'^ (ante a.d. 1214.)
■ Omnibus banc cartam uisuris uel a[udituris Ferjgus Comes de Buchan
salutem in Domino • Sciant presentes et futuri me dedisse et concessisse et
hac ca[rt]a confirmasse / Joh[anni fi]lio Vthredi et heredibus suis et as-
signatis pro excambio terrarum de Slanys • et de Crudan • tres dauatas de
Fedreth ■ scilicet Estir Auhio[ch / A]uhetberb / Auhethas / et Conwil-
tes / integriter et sine diminucione tam in longitudine quam in latitudine cum
omnibus limitibus suis et rectis diuisis videlicet a riuulo currente ex parte
orientali de Estir Auhioch in oriente vsque ad fossam concauam ex occi-
dentali costa mentis de Derevan in occidente / et inter viam altam supra
Clochnily sicut extenditur in austro vsque ad Crucem Medici in aquilone et
iterum .... ndo in oriente a vado riuuli de Huskethuire inter Auhelit et
Auhitherb vsque riuulum de Giht in occidente et in predicto oriente a . . . li
inter duas Auhcrauthis vsque in dictum riuulum de Giht subter ouili Ruthri

Mac Oan de Allethan in occidente et progrediendo do inter

dicta ouilia equitum versus austrum vsque ad predictam viam altam supra
Clochnuly et etiam a fossa magna propinquius adiacente ville de Carneben-
nach ex parte aquilonali occidentaliter extendente in riuulum de Giht vsque
[a]d concursum . . . . de Lethalge . . n aquilone et sicut fossa concaua

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [From an er)graved facsimile of the original in the charter chest at Pitfour.]

408 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

que dicitur Holleresky Lech iacet inter Buchangy et montem de De . . . n
sub occidentali parte de Derevan et sic a fossa vadi concaui de Auhakorty
ex parte occidentali vsque in costam aquilonalem de Cragcultyr et de Crag-
cultyr vsque ad predictam Crucein Medici et . . . de ipsa Cruce vsque in
costam aquilonalem de Derevan • vna cum terra de Ardindrach ac omnibus
limitibus suis et pertinenciis et rectis [diu]isis • Tenendas et habendas de
me et heredibus meis / sibi et heredibus suis et assignatis [pro] homagio et
seruic[io su]o ■ in feodo et he[reditate] In bosco et pla[no] in pratis et
pascuis in moris et mairesiis in aquis et stagnis In viis et semitis in . . ipus
et molendinis et bracinis cum natiuis et incolis et omni-
bus consuetudinibus dictarum terrarum cum placitis et qu[erelis] et cum
omnimod . . . eschaetls et rectitudinibus ad me et heredes meos qualiter-

cunque pertinentibus et ceteris vtilitatibus et asyamentis

et . . otatibus ... ad predictas tres dauatas de Fedreth et prenominatam
terram de Ardindrach pertinent vel aliquo mo [do pertjinere po[ter]unt in
f[uturum Ita pljenarie quiete et honoritice / sicuti ego et predecessores mei
dictas terras liberius et plenius aliquo tempore tenui[mus] huiusmodi • vel
s[icuti aliquis] Comes vel dominus in regno Scocie aliquem vasallum
liberius • plenius et honorificencius poterit in aliqua terra infeodare
Exc[ep]ta solum mihi et heredibus meis curia vite et membrorum quando
contigerit / faciendo inde dictus Johannes et heredes sui et [assijgnati mihi
et hered[ibus m]eis liberum seruicium vnius sagittarij et faciendo per an-
num tres sectas capitales curie mee de Ellon ■ cum forensi seruicio domini
Regis quantum pertinet ad prenotatas terras • pro omni [exacci]one debito
seruicio auxilio • vel seculari exaccione Preterea volo et concedo quod
temp [ore] releuij predictarum terrarum dictus Johannes et heredes [sui] et
assignati racione excambij antedicti tantum teneantur soluere mihi et here-
dibus meis pro releuio suo viginti libras sterlingorum pro [portion] aliter ad
duos auni terminos consuetos quociens casus contigerit Ego Fergus et he-
redes mei predictas tres dauatas et prenominatam terram de Ardindrach
cum pertinenciis [libert]atibus et asyamentis et aliis sicut predictum est
prefato Johanni et heredibus suis [et] assignatis contra omnes homines et
feminas pro predicto [seruicio] warantizabimus acquietabimus et [defen]de-
mus in perpetuum In huius rei testimonium sigiUum meum carte present!

est appensura • Hiis testibus Malcolmo com et Dauid fratre

suo Thoma de Kinmalron • Alexandro de Blare Henrico de Abirnithy
Willelmo de Slanys • Magno filio s • Gilbride filio Lamund Cos-

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— STRICKEN. 409

patrik filio Maded Malothem fratre eiiis • Norino filio Norman • Adam
fratre Comitis • Roberto de Munfort et multis aliis •]

STRECHIN.

"'z; TRECHIN church was built, under Bishop Patrick
Forbes, about A.D. m.dc.xx.,' by Thomas Fraser
of Strechin ; whose representative possesses well
.^>5 nigh the whole parish, which was taken out of
,0 those of Rathin and Fraserburgh, (thirty five
ploughs, out of the one ; and six, out of the
other.) *

at Strechin. Chappei.

Strechin, a court, the seat of Fraser of Strechin, descended Mannour.
of the Frasers of Lovat ; the first of this family, Thomas, (who
lived under Queen Mary,) having been the second son of Alexander
Lord Lovat, by Jane, daughter to Sir John Campbel of Calder.^

[description of the parish of stricken, by MR. FERGOSSON. M.DCC.XXII1.*

J. he parish of Streechen, {quasi Strath-end, in that it ly's in the end of a strath,)
is in the county of Aberdeen, and twenty -four miles from the said town, which are
thus made up : four, to Old Deer ; eight, to Ellon ; and twelve, to the toun of
Aberdeen.

The parish is four miles in length, from the town of Whitehill, which lys west
and be north, to the town of Reidboug ; or from Foglayhill, which lys from west-
south-west to east-north-east. The breadth is two miles from north to south.

' [" Strichen was erected into a parish in 1627; and consists of thirty eight ploughs,
thirty two of which were taken off from the parish of Rathen, and the other six, (called
' The six ploughs of Saithlcy,') from the parish of Frasersburgh." (Statistical Account of
Scotland, vol. vii., p. 416. Edinb. 1793.) See Loch's Essays on the Trade of Scot-
land, vol. ii., p. 119. Edinb. 1778. 8vo.]

* Register of the Synod of Aberdeen.

- [See Anderson's Historical Account of the Family of Fraser, pp. 174 — 188. Edinb.
1825. 4to.]

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

410 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

There is only one gentlemans house in the parish, which is the laird of Stree-
chens ; and it is an old fashioned court, mantled about with pleasant planting.'

The church lys in the center of the parish.

There is a water which runs from the west-north-west to the east-south-east,
till it pass a musket shot below the church ; and then it runs, for a ridge length, to
the north-east ; and then, within half a ridge length, it runs near to the south ; and,
after that, it runs south-east, untill it commixes with the water of Deer, about a
mile below that village. The water affoords plenty of fresh-water and salmond
trouts. ^

To the east of the church, about the center of the parish, there is a good lime
quarry, very usefuU to the countrey. To the north of the chm-ch, is the hill of
Mormont, alias Moormont, upon which there is great plenty of moorfowl and
foxes, which affoord divertisement to sportsmen.

To the south, there is the hill of Adiall, exceeding good for pasturage.

To the south-east, there is, about a mile from the church, the hill of Skillimar-
nock, over which goes the highway to Old Deer, and thence to Aberdeen.

1 [" Around the Place of Strichen there are a good many old trees. They drew a com-
pliment from the late Dr. Johnson, who says, in his Tour through Scotland, that ' he had
travelled two hundred miles, and had only seen one tree not younger than himself; but
at Strichen, he saw trees of full growth, worthy of his notice.' " (Statistical Account of
Scotland, vol. vii., p. 419.)

" Dr. .Johnson was curious to see one of those structures, which northern antiquarians call
a Druid's temple. I had a recollection of one at Strichen, which I had seen fifteen years
ago [1773] ; so we went four miles out of our road, after passing Old Deer, and went thither.
Mr. Fraser, the proprietor, was at home, and showed it to us. But j^had augmented it in
my mind ; for all that remains is two stones set up on end, with a long one laid upon them,
as was usual, and one stone at a little distance from thera. That stone was the capital one
of the circle which surrounded what now remains. Mr. Fraser was very hospitable. (He
is the worthy son of a worthy father, the late Lord Strichen, one of our judges, to whose
kind notice I was much obliged. Lord Strichen was a man not only honest, but highly
generous ; for, after his succession to the family estate, he paid a large sum of debts, con-
tracted by his predecessor, which he was not under any obligation to pay.) There was a
fair at Strichen ; and he had several of his neighbours from it at dinner. One of them. Dr.
Fraser, who had been in the army, remembered to have seen Dr. Johnson at a lecture on
experimental philosophy, at Lichfield. The doctor recollected being at the lecture, and he
was surprised to find here somebody who knew him." (Boswell's Journal of a Tour to the
Hebrides, in Mr. Croker's edit, of Boswell's Life of Johnson, vol. ii., pp. 340, 341. Lend.
1831. 8vo.)]

2 [" Thorow this parish runs the river Eugie eastward ; the inhabitants there call it the
water of Strichen." (Description of Strichen by Mr. Alexander Hepburn, 1721. Macfar-
lane's Geographical Collections, MS.)]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— LONGSIDE. 411

To the north-west, there is the hill of Brackox, upon the confines of another
moor, which leads to Aberdour ; and it affoords great plenty of moorfowl.

There are three highways which pass through the parish : one, from the north-
west, which leads from Pitsligo, by the church, to Old Deer, and from that to Ellon,
and thence to Aberdeen : there is another, which comes from Frazerburgh, and
passes, a ridge length to the west of the church, to New Deer, and from thence to
Turreff : there is a third, which passes through the end of the parish between
Old Deer and Frazerburgh, going by Kindrought, where there is a good foord,
and a timber bridge for horse and foot.

Between the one end of the parish and the other, there are three bridges upon
the water. The first is at Kindroucht, where there is also a good foord, as has
been said. The second is at Howfoord, and accomodates those only who travel on
foot, (there is here also a good foord for such as travel on horse). The third
bridge is about three ridge length to the north west of the church ; and, half the
way between this third bridge and the church, there is a foord. There is, also,
about a large quarter of a mile, or scrimp half mile, from the cliurch, another
good foord, which leads to Pitsligo and Aberdour, at the old mill of Streechen.

The gentlemens houses upon the confines of this parish are as follows. Upon
or near to the road that leads to Frazerburgh, there is a new house which belongs
to Achireys ; and, two miles from that, there is Philorth, where the Lord Saltoun
lives. Upon or near to the road which leads to Old Deer, there is a pleasant
new house, which belongs to the Laird of Pitfoure ; and, about a short mile
from that, is the village of Old Deer. Near to the road which leads to New
Deer, there are two old houses ; the one whereof, is called Bruckley, and the
other, Feoderat, which last is now ruinous.]

LONGSIDE.

^^^ ONGSIDE, called at first New Peter, was built
about A. D. M.Dc.xx., under Bishop Patrick
Forbes, the parish being taken out of those of
' ^ ^^ Peterhead, [and Crimond.'] It has a good clock,
" ■ Ty/'\ ^°^^ *^^ doors ; also four silver chalices, gifted
to it by Alexander Galloway, goldsmith in Aber-
deen.

' [Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xv., p. 289. Edinb. 1795. •' For a consi-
derable period, the presbytery ai)])ointed several of its members, with some elders of
Peterhead, to ' travell with my Lord Merschell,' who was at that time chief proprietor

412 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Chappei. at Nether Kinjiundy.

Mannours. Fechfield, the Seat of Tliomsoii of Fechfield, and built by the

present possessors father. Before him. the Erasers had it, being
descended of a son of Fraser of Muchil.

Upper Kinmundy, lately bought by Ferguson of Balmakelly
from

Nether Kinmundy, belonging to Gordon of Kinmundy, whose
father was parson of Rothimay,' and son to Robert Gordon of
Fitlurg and Straloch, who published the Maps of Scotland.

LuDQUHARN, lately belonging to Keith of Ludquharn," baronnet,
now to Guthry of Ludquharn, son to Guthry of Kingedward.

In this parish are ten bridges, all maintained by the church.

in the district, to have • ane new kyrlc bouldit in the head,' or west part, ' of the pa-
roche.' This was at last effected in a.d. 1619 or 1620; and the church was, for some
time, termed ' The ower (i. e. upper) Kirk of Peterugie,' or ' Peterheid.' The pa-
rish, however, was soon after called ' Longsyd,' from the name of the farm on which
the church was situated." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xlii., p. 859.
Edinb. 1843.)

" On the declivity of a hill which separates this parish from that of Cruden, there arc
still visible a great number of tumuli, or small cairns, in which are found square apart-
ments, formed by rough stones, of from eighteen inches to two feet, and containing ashes
or red earth. At a small distance from these, and nearly on the highest part of the hill,
is a cairn of a much larger size, of an elliptical form, and measuring in circumference about
four hundred feet at its base. It is well known by the name of 'Cairn Catto.' At the
bottom of the hill are some springs, know n by the name of ' The Kemp Wells' ; and a little
farther to the west, on the opposite rising ground, is a field, which still bears the name of
' The Battle-fauld.' " (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xv., p. 294. Edinb. 1795.)

" Occasionally a tumulus is opened, and found to contain an urn of baked clay, with
ashes and perhaps fragments of bones." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number
xlii., p. 862.)]

1 [See Gordon's History of Scots Affairs, vol. i., preface, pp. 36 — 38. Aberdeen ;
Printed for the Spalding Club. 1841.]

2 [On the fourth of November 1490, " in presens of the lordis of consale William
Kethe of Hithe Johne Kethe of Ludquharne and Gilbert Kethe of Partyok has drawin
thaim self thair landis and gadis lawborghe to our Souerane Lord that William Cumyn of
Inuerallochquhy salbe harmeless and scatlitless of thaim and all that thai may let but fraude
or gile bot as the courss of commoune law will vndir the pane of j™ uierkis ilke ane of
thaim." (Acta Dominoruni Concilii, p. 160.)]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— LONGSIDE. 413

[dESCBIPTION of the parish of LONGSIDE. BY MB. FERGUSSON.
A.D. M.BCC.XXIII.'

-L he limits of the parioch of Longside, from south to north, doe extend to six
miles ; and, from east to west, four miles. The church is pretty centrall, in the
midst of the parish.

The half of the lands within the said parish did, not long agoe, properly belong
to the Earl Marishall, who is patron of the church : the other lands doe appertane
to several heretors.*

Upon the lands of Ludquhairn, there is a pretty good ston house, about a myle
south from the church ; and another lesser ston house, called Terhendi-y, near two
miles farther to the south.

The lands of Kilmundy, which ly east to the lands of Ludquhairn, have a
stone house, about a quarter of a mile distant from the house of Ludquhairn, and
a mile from the church.

The lands of Faichfield ly east from Kilmundy, and have a stone house, distant
from the house of Kilmundy a mile, to the north-east, and a mile from the church.

The lands of Buthla and Thunderton ly partly to the east, and partly to the
north of Faichfeild, having no stone house upon them.

The lands of Carngall ly to the west of Buthla, having a stone house on them,
not a quarter of a myll from the church.

The lands of Auchtidonald ' ly to the north-west of the church ; the mannor
house of the saids lands, not being of stone, about a mile and a half from the church.

The whole lands of the said parish doe ly within the shirefFdora of Aberdeen,
and countrey of Buchan.

There be two little rivers within the said parish, which runn tlirough the north
parts of it, commonly called the fore and back of Ugie ; upon which there be two
timber bridges. Both the saids waters doe meet in one point, about two miles
west from the house of Inverugy.

There be two little loches within the said parish, commonly called The Loches of
Auchlie, of no great bounds, but of such a deepness as boats could pass upon
them, and ar never dry.]

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [" In the parish of Longside stands the parish kirk ; the castle of Ludquhairn, the
dwelling place of Sir John Guthrie of Ludquhairn ; Nether Kinmundie, the countrey
seat of Alexander Gordon of Kinmundie ; Feichfeild, the dwelling of Thomas Thomson of
Feichfeild ; the manners of Buthlaw, Cairngall, and Auchtydonald, belonging to their
respective owners, Charles Gordon of Buthlaw, Alexander Arbuthnot of Cairngall, and
William Scot of Auchtydonald." (Description of Longside, by Mr. Alexander Hepburn,
1721, in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.)]

3 [See Acta Dominorum Concilii, pp. 28L 366.]

414

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

The Town oi
Peterhead.

PETERHEAD.

ETERHEAD was, of old, called Peterugy, in

Latin Inverugy Petri ; because Ugy here falls
into the sea, and the church is dedicated to Saint
Peter. It has an isle for the Keiths of Ludquharn,
:f^ and a pretty round steeple.

BoDDOM, on the brink of the sea, lately
'^ ' the seat of Keith of Ludquharn, baronet,

now, A. D. M.DCc.xxvii., bought by William, Earl of Aberdeen. '

Invernetty, the seat of Moir of Invernethy, brother to Moir
of Stonywood.

Here is The Town of Peterhead, (called in some Dutch
maps PeterspoU,'^) which is so named because it stands on a cape
in the parish of Saint Peter. 'Tis built in form of a cross, and
has at the end of it, (on a small point called The Ness,) a castle,
built by the Earl Marishal, which is now degraded into a fish-
house.

It has two harbours, and had, some time ago, seven pieces of
cannon on them, besides some brazen pieces in the tolbooth, which
were all carryed off to London, (with the other cannon of Scot-
land,) since A.D. m.dcc.xv. Ther belong to this toun, just now,
six small vessels, though formerly it had many more, which it
hired out.

The ale here is good and strong, and eatables to be had very
cheap. The market day is Friday, but neglected. The town is
much resorted to in July and August, because the famous well

' [" Boddom Castle stands on a promontory, betwixt two very deep fissures, with high
craggy rocks on each side, where the sea rolls in a considerable way with great force, and
such impetuosity, when the wind blows from the east, that the spray of the sea is often
carried over the top of the house : the chasm on the north side is within a few feet of the
house, which is built on the top of a precipice ; the house is in ruins." (Statistical Ac-
count of Scotland, vol. xvi., p. 556. Ediiib. 1795.)]

2 [" In old charters, the name is Petri promontorium, and Petri polis." (The New
Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 344. Edinb. 1840.)]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— PETERHEAD. 415

here is then in its strength. This well was discovered about seven
score years ago ; ' and, because the waters of it run on iron and
vitriol, is reckoned to have all the virtues of steel. But 'tis
thought most specific for the gravel.

Here are reckoned about two hundred and thirty families. The
people are sober and courteous, and agree well among themselves,
which is now become a rare character. The Arbuthnets are the
most thriving name. Here is a nottable good white-fishing, ma-
naged by boats. This town, which belonged at first

to the Abbay of Deer, was given to Earl Marishal

This town therefor holds of that Earl, and the towns-men

pay him a feu or fee-ferm rent.

After A.D. m.dcc.xv., it was bought by the Fishery Company of
Scotland, which breaking up in A.D. m.dcc.xxvi., it was sold by
them to [the governors of the Merchant Maiden's Hospital of Edin-
burgh ;-] at which time its rental amounted to one hundred and
ninety-one bolls beer, (or bigg) ; one hundred and ninety-nine bolls
meal ; two bolls oats : and eighty pounds sterling money ; and all
this, (besides fractions,) paid only as in feu.

■ [Two accounts of this spring, written in the seventeenth century, are enumerated by
Gough : I. " n,Sa5 Uir^ua : Or the discoverie of St. Peter's Well at Peterhead in Scot-
land, being in latitude 57 degrees 43 min. and in longitude 22 d. 40 m. shewing the ad-
mirable vertues thereof against many deplorable diseases. By A. M. Student in Medicine.
Edinb. 1636." 12mo. II. " nn-ym/ta -. or the Vertues of, and way how to use the
minerall and medicinall-water at Peterhead in Scotland, within the shire of Aberdene,
whose latitude is 57 deg. 43 min. longitude 22 deg. 40 min. This being the compend of a
peice written anno 1636, by A. M. then Student, now M. D. and P. in A. R. Aberdon."
folio half sheet. (Gough's British Topography, vol. ii., p. 648.) The author. Dr.
Andrew More, was professor of physic in The King's College from 1642 to 1680. See
The Book of Bon-Accord, p. 313 ; Campbell's Political Survey of Great Britain, vol. i.,
p. 113. Lond. 1774. 4to.]

- [Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xvi., p. 594. From a reference at p. 609, it
would seem that the WTiter had access to a manuscript copy of the ' View of the Diocese
of Aberdeen.' See also The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., pp.
369, 373.]

416

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Where it lyes,
and to whom it
belongs.
How bounded
on the south.

How called in
old writs.
Salmon
fishing.
How bounded
on the east.
By whom
erected into a
burgh of ba-
rony.
Castle of
Keyth Inch.

Medicinal
well.

[a description of PETERHEAD.'

It lyes within the country of Buchan, and sheriffdom of Aberdeen, belonging all,
(save very little,) to the very honourable the Earl Marischall.

It is bounded, on the south, with a moor or mount that separates it from my
Lord Errols lands ; and from the west and north-west, by the other adjacent land ;
the country of Buchan terminating in this parish and town, as in a wedge or pro-
montory, known better by the name of Bokeness.

This parish is called in old writs Peter Eugy ; the water Ugy washing it on the
north, and is plentifull in salmon-fishing, belonging to the Earl Marischal. On
the east, it is bounded with the German Ocean, which, in the winter seasons, rages
most violently.

The town of Peterhead was erected by George Earl Marischall, who was com-
missioner to Denmark for the marriage of the King, (the same that erected The
Marischal CoUedge,) and was erected by him into a burgh of barony ; where, on a
part of the said town called Keyth Inch, he did erect a strong castle, which, with
the adjacent peninsula, is the eastmost part in Scotland, and but seventy leagues
distant fi'om the nearest parts of Norway. In this Inch I have seen six hundred
men in tents, in the time of the rebellion, and these rebels of the English nation
garisoned in it for several years.

Things remarkable are, an excellent medicinal well, described by that ingenious
and worthy gentleman. Dr. Moor, a native of Peterhead, and professor of medicine
in The King's CoUedge at Aberdeen. The cures wrought at this well are very re-
markable and many, so that I think it fit the magistrates of the town should be
required to give an account of the most remarkable cures done by it, and that
under their town-clerks hand, and to keep a register of them.^

Next is the harbour, one most commodious, which imbosomes itself in the said
Keyth Inch, and makes a defence from the east by the Inch and numerous rocks
round about. The Inch is thinly built, but of good buildings, these that are ; the
Earles Marischall not being willing to feu it to any. Yea, the foresaid Gorge Earle
Marischall was offered for this Inch several tuns of gold by the Dutch, it being

1 [From Sir Robert Sibbald's Collections, MS. Advocates' Library. It is ascribed to
the Lady Anne Drummond, Countess of Erroll, and was written probably about the year
1680. See above, p. 94, note K}

2 [" I forgot the physick well of Peterhead. It runs on vitriol ; the water of it is light
and purgative, and is used against several distempers of the stomach, scurvy, stone, gravel,
and some other diseases. It is much frequented in the months of June, July, and August,
the only proper season." (Description of the countrey of Buchan, by Mr. Alexander
Hepburn, 1721, in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.)]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— PETERHEAD. 417

advantageous for their summer fishing in the northern seas, and because of its
excellent situation.

The harbour in it, called Port Henry, hath its name from one Henry Middleton Port Henry-
in Clerkhill, who, in the said Earle George his time, was instrumental, under the
said Earle, to have this erected fi-om an open shore to a secure harbour ; and it
hath been, by the care and pains of the late Earle William, and this present Earle
George, brought to what it is now, to receive all from north, east, and south, to
their very great advantage and security both in storm and calm.

It hath, on the south side, a bay that is called The South Road, which will contain The south
several hundreds of ships most securely at anchor, except when the wind bloweth ''''*''■
from the east.

There is a north harbour, very secure, called Salt-cote-hive ; which, from its Salt-cote-
name, together also with another place a mile south called Salthouse-head, gives "^^^'
me to apprehend there hath been salt made in these parts of old, before the erec-
tion of the town, to serve in the inland countrey of Buchan.

Betwixt these two harbours, as a guard to the town on the east side, is a great How the town
tract of rocks or great stones scattered, and are of great bigness, and firm, and not '^ guarded on
condensed but separate whinwayes, which doth beat back the violent surges of the
sea. Along this tract of rocks runs a violent tide, very impetuous, called Trot Trot Valley.
Valley, that several mariners, who have been great travellers, have admired its
impetuosity in most fair weather.

In this town is one of the best fishings that is on the north coast, for all white The best tish-
fish except herrings ; and they have a singular skill in fishing, so that their fishes J"^ fv° ^
are a proverb in the nation. coast.

The inhabitants are very civil and discreet to all strangers, and very helpful! in Civility of the
times of shipwrecks or other dangers, and give all possible aid and supply to all inhabitants,
that arrive at their coasts.

This town, after its first erection, did number twenty-seven sail of good ships Their ship-
belonging to itself altogether, and were employed by the merchants of Edinburgh ?'"§■■
for conveying the granaries of Caithness, Sutherland, and Ross to the south land ;
but, by the ruine of the bulwarke, their number decayed, though now again they
are repairing their losses.

It is to be observed, that the English, (when they had founded their cittadells Peterhead

„T A.T., \ ■ . iii j-ii>Ai-i most commo-

of Inverness, Air, Le:th, etc.) commg to see the stance and site ot this place, jj^^^ ^^^ ^ ^j

were much greived for not seeing it sooner ; it being most commodious for a tadel, and to

cittadell or garrison, and to have been improved to an excellent port to the bean excellent

° port for the

eastern seas. eastern seas.

There are several ships built here, of one or two decks, and have all the pro- Ships of one or

perties of good sailing, which are set upon stocks in the said Inch, and launched two decks built
, ° ., " here, which

thence very easily. sail well.

418 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Keyth Inch This Inch, every twenty-four hours, is twice environed with the sea, and so

every twenty- makes a pleasant peninsula.

■ironeTvrith"' ^^ '^ ^ ^^^y P'^asant and healthful air, and very serene, without fogs or mists,
the sea. though it be imbosomed in the German ocean, and, all the canicular days, almost,

A pleasant and ye will find a gentle breath of north east wind from off the sea, to cool tlie heat

healthful air, ., • , ,

without fogs 0" ^^'^ mainland.

or mists. It is remarkable that two ships, one coming from Fife's Ness, and another from

Two ships, Cromarty, may come with one and the same wind, viz. westerly, and arrive here

and contrarv at one and the same instant, and can go no further, either southward or northward ;

airths, may which ariseth from the situation of this town, which draws into the form or fashion

arrive here ^f ^ tongue or wedge, from Tayraouth and Murray Firth, and casts the countrey or

wind at one mainland into the form of a triangle, in all well drawn mapps.

instant. These things, with many others, are noticeable, which the magistrates should be

required to give account of. I have set this down, and appeal to all the shippers

of the South Firth for the verity of the premisses.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARISH OF PETERHEAD. BY MR. ALEXANDER HEPBURN.
A.D. M.DCC.XXI.'

In the parish of Peterhead stands the Place of Boddam, belonging to Sir William
Keith of Ludquhairn ; and the mannor of Invernettie, the dwelling house of Wil-
liam Moir of Invernettie. At a small distance is the parish kirk, having adjoined
to it the burial place of Sir William Keith of Ludquhairn. A little to the east
from the kirk, lyes the town of Peterhead. Its a burgh of barronie : you know
who is superior. There is here a tolbooth, and a strong castle standing on a rock.
There are two good harbours, which will receive ships of a considerable burden, a
large and safe road, so that in storms ships can get in here, and be safe, much more
easily and reddily than in any other place betwixt the two Scotch firths. Thers a
good fishing here.

Two miles to the west of this town stands an old ruinous castle, called The Old
Craig of Inverugie.2

The river Eugie falls into the German sea near to Peterhead : it divides the
parish of Peterhead from the parish of St. Fergus towards the north. Here is a
good salmon fishing, both with nets and cruives. Over the river there is a stone

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [" The castle of Old Craig, or Raven's Craig, has been a place of very great strength.
There are evident marks of the river having been carried round the house. The walls are
very thick, and fortified round." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xvi., p. 554.) See
also The New Stat. Ace. of Scot., number xxviii., p. 354 ; and De Cardonnell's Picturesque
Antiquities of Scotland, Lond. 1793. 8vo.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER—SAINT FERGUS. 419

bridge of two arches. A little to the west of this bridge, in the parish of St.
Fergus, on the north side of the river, stands the Place of Inverugie. Jam
seges est ubi Troja fuit. Two miles to the north is the parish kirk.

DESCRirXION OF THE PARISH OF FETERHEAD. A.D. M.DCC.XXXIII.'

The town of Peterhead, in which is St. Peters chappell and a townhouse, with
the harbours, as also The Keith Inch, with tlie batteries and castle upon it, and
The Wine Well, a famed medicinal spring, are all plain laid down in the map.

The hills remarkable near Peterhead are the Buchanness or Sterlinghill, above
the house of Bodhani, an antient landmark, and the Meetlaw,^ south-east of the
house of Invernytie.

The town of Peterhead was erected by the Earl Marischall in a burgh of barony,
with large priviledges and immunities, for the advantage of trade ; and it being
an important station, as well for the protecting as advancing that valuable
branch of trade the fisherrie ; for, from this place, the sea yearly offers to the in-
dustrious, plenty of codd and ling, small codd, called Rattray codd, haddows, tur-
bett, skett, all fitt for the spring drying. To these succeeds the herring : the sea-
son of them being over, the codd or ling come on for salting in pool or barrell, in
the autumn or winter. At this station cargoes of fish may be had fitt for the con-
sumpt of any port in Europe. Besides, in the river of Eugie, to the north of
Peterhead, good parcells of salniond are taken ; and there is a natural beach to the
south of Peterhead capable of drying many thousands of codd, ling, etc.']

LONGLEY, OR SAINT FERGUS.

T^^^f^ ONGLEY hath for its tutelar Saint Fergus, a
bishop and confessor, in the beginning of the sixth
age, whose feast was kept on the seventeenth of
November.'

Ravenscraig, or Old Craig of Inverugy, once Mannors.
a strong but now ruinous castle. It appears to
have been the seat of the chief of the Cheynes.
from whom it came to the Earl Marishal's family.

1 [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [See the Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xvi., p. 333; and The New Statistical
Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 336.]

3 [" Nouember 17. S. Ferguse bischop and confessor in Scotland patron of Glames
under King Conranus, [a.d.] 303." (Adam King's Kallendar.) The bones of one of the

420 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

I hear the first charter of Inverugy,' (lately in the Earl Ma-
rishal's hand,) was granted by King William the Lyon, Bernardo
Canijilio Gulielmi Cants, which shews that Chien, (as it was wrote
of old,) is the true name.

Inverugy,' the Earl Marishal's seat, a great castle and court.
A.D. M.DCC.xvi., George Earl Marishal was forfeited by the
Duke of Brunswick, and his estate reckoned at one thousand six
hundred and seventy-six pounds sterling, yearly; partly in Aberdeen,
and partly in Kincardin shires ; and consisting of these particulars :
money, six hundred and twenty-two pounds ; barley, one thousand
and seventy-two bolls; oatmeal, one thousand six hundred and ninety-
arms of St. Fergus were among the relies preserved in the treasury of the cathedral
church of Aberdeen.

" This parish was anciently named Inverugie, and often Longley, the church being
situated, not far from the old Place of Inverugie, on those pleasant and extensive downs
called The Links of St. Fergus. The church was removed from this site, anno 1616, when
the church and parish assumed the name of its patron saint." (Statistical Account of Scot-
land, vol. XV., p. 134. Edinb. 1795.)]

1 [" Some pieces of stone and lime are to be met witli, hard by the mouth of the Ugie,
where it falls into the sea ; and here, it is said, was the ancient residence of the family of
Cheyne. They afterwards built another castle, to which they also gave the name of Inver-
ugie, at the distance of more than a mile westward, on the same side of the river. The
castle is now in ruins, but the two courts are almost entire. The precise time when it was
built is not known ; but as one part of it was called The Cheyne's Tower, it is probable that
it was built by that family. On an eminence north-west from the castle, there is an artifi-
cial moat, where, it is probable, the ancient proprietors held their courts for the distribution
of justice." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xv., p. 153.)

" On the banks of the Ugie, are to be seen the ruins of Inverugie Castle, once a splendid
edifice, and the principal residence of the Earls Marischal. One of the towers, called The
Cheyne's Tower, is of great antiquity ; but the greater part of the fabric is supposed to have
been built by George, Earl Marischal, the founder of The Marischal College in Aberdeen."
(The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxv., p. 195. Edinb. 1840.)

" The great Field- Marshal Keith, brother to George last Earl Marischal, was born at
Inverugie, and was baptized on the sixteenth of June, 1696, by the names of James Francis
Edward. He was killed at the battle of Hochku-chen, on the fourteenth of October, 1758."
(Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xv., p. 152.) " Robert Arbuthnot of Scotsmill, the
grandfather of the celebrated Dr. Arbuthnot, who was physician to Queen Anne, and the
friend of Dean Swift, is buried in the churchyard of this parish." (New Statistical Account
of Scotland, number xxv., p. 194.)]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— SAINT FERGUS. 421

nine bolls ; oats, twenty-six bolls ; wheat, twenty-two bolls ;
weathers, sixty-four ; lambs, twenty-three ; swine, six ; eggs, six
hundred and forty ; capons, three hundred and eighty-flve ; hens,
four hundred and seventy-eight ; marts, twenty-one ; chickens, one
hundred and forty-two ; geese, twenty-four ; peats, twenty-seven
leats, at six shillings and eight pence pe7- leat. '

Ther is a kind of prophesy, (said to be Thomas the Rhymer's,-
who lived above four hundred years ago, under King Alexander III.,)
concerning Inverugy, which we have by tradition in these words :

Inverugy, by the sea,
Lordless shall thy land be ;
And underneath thy hearth-stane
The Tod* shall bring her birds hame.

But this prophesy is said to have been fulfilled in that old In-
verugy, now quite ruined, which stood a mile beneath the present
Inverugy, and hard on the sea-shoar.

[description of the parish of ST. FERGUS. BY MR. JAMES KEITH.
A.D. M.DCC.XXII. '

Xhe parish of St. Fergus, in the shire of Bamf, hath to the north and north-
west, the parish of Crimond ; to the west, the parish of St. Colme, otherwise
Lonmay ; to the south and south-east, the parishes of Peterhead and Longside ;
it being bounded on the east by the sea.

The church is two miles west from the sea ; four miles from Peterhead, to the
north-west. Inverugie is south-south-east from the church two miles, being other

' [" A leat of peats is a stack twelve feet long, twelve broad, and high in proportion."
rStatistical Account of Scotland, vol. xiii., p. 71.)]

- [" Tradition reports that Sir Thomas Learmont, the Rhymer, visited this place, and
poured forth his vaticinations against it from a stone in the neighbourhood, in such strains
as these :

' Inverugie by the sea,
Lordless shall thy lands be."
The stone on which the seer sat was removed to build the church in 1763 ; but the field in
which it lay is still called Tammas' Stane." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number
XXV., p. 195.) See P. Buchan's Annals of Peterhead, pp. 6.S, 64. Peterhead, 1819. 8vo.]
* Fox.

3 [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

3 H

422 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

two from Peterhead. It stands close on the north side of the river Eugie, which
is passed by a stone bridge, about a quarter of a mile below Inverugie. Half a
mile below the bridge, towards the sea, are two good foords. This water falls
into the sea, three quarters of a mile from Peterhead. Standing to the south-east
of it, the house of Blackwater is one mile north-north-east of the church. It
stands close on the north side of the water of Authie, which is crost by a bridge,
a short half a mile below, toward the sea. Towards the west and north-west of
this parish is a large moss and moor.

Assedacio ecclesie de Langley Gylberto Kethe de Inuerugy militi / here-

dibus suis et assignatis ■' (a.d. 1484.)
Uniuersis pateat per presentes nos Dauid permissione diuina abbatem
monasterij Sancti Thome Martiris de Abbirbrothok [e<c.] et ejusdem loci
conuentum [eic] arrendasse et ad firmam diraississe honorabili viro Gylberto
Kethe de Inuerugy militi heredibus suis et assignatis / ita quod assignatus
seu assignati sint proles de corpore sue genite siue sui fratris germani /
omnes et singulas decimas garbales ecclesie nostre de Langley cum pertin-
enciis pro terminis septemdecira annorum vicissim et integre complen-
dorum • termino vero introitus dicti Domini Gylberti [e/c] in percepcione
et leuacione dictarum decimarum [etc.'] incipiente in festo Beati Petri quod
dicitur ad Vincula datam presencium immediate sequenti [etc."] ■ Soluendo
inde annuatim [efc] triginta libras usualis monete regni Scocie ad duos
anni terminos [e^c] ■ In cuius rei testimonium sigillum commune capituli
nostri presentibus est appensum / una cum roboracione nostrarum subscrip-
cionum manualium / apud dictum monasterium • xxv • die mensis Nouem-
bris anno Domini ■ 1484 •

Inpignoracio dimidie ville de Blacwatyr • ^ (a.d. 1400.)
Omnibus hoc scriptum visuris uel audituris Katrina Pyngyl filia et vna de he-
redibus quondam Ade Pyngyl burgensis de Abirden ; Salutem in Domino
sempiternam / Noueritis me [etc.] cum consensu et assensu mariti mei Jo-
hannis Steyll burgensis de Abirden et Johannis de Sancto Michaele filii mei
carissirai • et mei heredis • concessisse et inpignorasse et in vadium dimis-
sisse [etc.] amico meo karissimo Willelmo de Dalgarnok domino de Fyntre
totam dimidiam villam de Blacwatyr cum pertinenciis in baronia de Invirogy /

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

2 [From the original in the library of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— CRIMOND. 423

infra vicecomitatura de Banff / me jure hereditarie contingentem / pro
.tresdecem libris sex solidis et octo denariis sterlingorum [e^c] In cuius
rei testimonium presentibus sigillum meum apposui vna cum sigillis mariti
mei Johannis Steyll et Johannis de Sancto Michaele filij mel et heredis mei
pro maiore securitate • Apud Abirden in Festo Natalis Domini • anno
Domini millesimo Quadryngentesimo •

Carta impignoracionis dimidie partis terrarum de Blacwatre ■' (a.d. 1403.)
Vniuersis ad quorum noticiam presentes litere peruenerint Laurencius de
Foty / et Isabella Pyngle filia et vna heredum quondam Ada Pyngle et
Mariorie de Blacwatre sponsa predicti Laurencij • Salutem \_etc.'] Noueritis
nos vnanimi consensu et assensu nostro ac cum consensu et assensu Johan-
nis de Foty filii nostri et heredis [e<e.] inpignorasse ac in pignus et vadium
dimississe dilecto nostro Willelmo de Dalgarnoc totam terram nostram de
dimidia parte terrarum de Blacwatre cum pertinenciis in baronia de Inuervgy
infra vicecomitatum de Banff pro viginti libris sterlingorum / [etc.'] In cuius
rei testimonium presentibus sigilla nostra vna cum sigillo predicti Johannis
de Foty filij nostri et heredis sunt appensa Apud Abirdene vicesimo die
raensis Marcij anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo secundo •]

CRIMOND.

^^^ ERE was a chappel at Rattray.^ 'Tis said a son Chapi)ei.

of Gumming, Earl of Buclian, was

drowned, accidentally, in a well, here ; whereupon
this chappel was founded for his soul.

Here was, of old, Rattray Castle, a chief seat Mannors.
of the Cummings, Earls of Buchan, and a con-
siderable little town of that name : hut nothing
now but the castle-hilP remains. Ther being a hot contention,

1 [From the original in the charter room at Slaines.]

^ [" Ratrey is a small village, hard by the water of the same name, with the ruins of a
chappell and a burial place." Description of the parish of Crimond, by Mr. James Keith,
1722. Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

3 [" At the east end of the loch of Strathbeg, in a very pleasant situation, there is a
small hill, of a circular form, whose top is exactly half a Scotch acre in extent, called

424 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

under Queen Mary, between the Earls of Errol and Marishal,
about the superiority of this little town of Rattray, the Queen, to
prevent further dispute, erected it into a Royal borough : whence,
at this day, ther is no custom paid at its markets, nor do its inha-
bitants hold by the tenure of common tennants, but as feuars ; the
town having lost its honours and magistracy, and yet none, (but the
King,) being properly superior of it.

Nota bene. October the thirtieth, A.D. m.dcc.xxvii., I read

' The Castle Hill.' It rises thirty-eight feet above a small plain, on the north east, but is
only twelve or fourteen feet above the higher ground on the opposite side. About a
quarter of a mile south of The Castle-hill, the walls of a chapel, surrounded by a burial
place, are mostly entire. It is supposed to have been a private chapel, for the use of the
Earl's family. The length is forty five feet within the walls ; the breadth, eighteen feet ;
the thickness of the walls, three feet ; and the height of the end walls still above ground,
thirty-two feet. In the east end of the chapel, are three arched windows ; the largest,
which is in the middle, is eleven feet high, and two feet wide. The other two are each
seven feet high, and two wide. The walls are built of very small stones, firmly cemented
with lime. Around this chapel formerly stood the burgh of Rattray. It is said to have
had the same privileges as a Royal burgh. The burgage lands are of considerable extent.
There are now only two feus, or rather one feu divided into two. The oldest charter
upon this feu, extant, was granted in 1627. In that year, in a burgh-court holden at Rat-
tray, by the honourable John Hay of Crimondmogate, William Dalgardno of Blacknater,
and David Rivis of Strathstedlie, baillies of the burgh of Rattray, a jury of thirteen honest
men, citizens of the said burgh, find that Magnus Smith, the father of William Smith,
died possessed of four roods of land in the said burgh. Upon this David Rivis, one of the
said baillies, superior of the lands of Rattray, grants a charter on the said four roods,
in favour of William Smith. The next charter is granted in 1675, by William Watson
of Haddo, baillie of the burgh of Rattray, superior of the said lands, in favour of Isobel
Watson, spouse of Alexander Bisset, in Bilboe." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol.
xi., pp. 419, 420. Edinb. 1794.) " Many ancient coins are occasionally turned up by
the plough or spade, near the site of the old burgh of Rattray. John Farquhar, the
well-known proprietor of Fonthill, was born at Bilbo, in this parish." (The New Statistical
.\ccount of Scotland, number xxxix, pp. 707, 709. Edinb. 1842.)

In the charter room at Slaines there is a copy of a " decreet of marches," of date the
sixth of July, 1671, pronounced by " William Dalgarno in Blakwater, and John Davidson
in Sutassie, baillies and burgesses of the bruch of Ratray, as juges arbitrators and
amicable compositouris, equally chosen for part of communitie and inhabitants of the said
bruch; and Andro Watson in Hadooh, chosyn for the part of Andro Master of Erol; and
Thomas Smith in Broadlands, chosyn for the part of Andrew Keith of Ravenscraig, on
the thrid part."]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— CRIMOND. 425

Queen Mary's charter, (in the hands of Andrew Arbuthnet of
Broadland,) wherein, after naratting the dispute between the fami-
lies of Errol and Marishal, about the superiority of it, she, (to cut
off that dispute,) erects Rattray into a Royal borough, " in libermn
burgum regalem" with the privilege of a weekly market every
Tuesday, and two yearly fairs, August the fifteenth, and September
the eighth. This charter is dated, at Edinburgh, March the sixth,
A.D. M.D.LXiii. Rattray had once a good harbour, which is now
choaked with sand ; and the town consists but of nine or ten
houses, belonging to Haddo and Broadland.

Crimond,' the seat of Irvin of Crimond, who now lays claim,
(as heir by entail.) to the estate of Drum. It belonged formerly
to the Earl of Errol, from whom it was purchased, in the last age,
by Alexander Gumming, who had been his factor. From his son.
the son of Irvin of Artamford bought it.

Broadland, formerly possessed by the Erasers, now by Andrew
Arbuthnet of Broadland, who married the daughter of Eraser of
Broadland.

LoGiE, the seat of Gordon of Logie, brother to Ardmelie.

Crimond-mogget, built, some years ago, by Hay of Crimond-
mogget, (son to the parson of Crimond,) but, now, purchased

Haddo, the seat of Blak of Haddo, whose father, Mr. William
Blak, (a regent, or fellow in King's College, -) bought it from the
Watsons.

Strathbeg-water, (in history called Rattray, from the little vil-
lage at its mouth,) has been taken notice of for its singularity in
yielding no salmon :* but this is no great matter of wonder, for the

1 [On the ninth of December, 1404, Isabel of Douglas, Countess of Marr and The
Garioch, granted to her husband Alexander Stewart, among other lands, " baroniam de
Crechmond, in Buchania." (Lord Hailes' Additional Sutherland Case, ch. v., § II., p.
46 ; Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 147.]

2 [He was sub-principal. See Kennedy's Annals of Aberdeen, vol. ii., p. 345.]

* [H.] Boet[ii Scot. Regn. Descript,, fol. 5 ; "fluuij in ea [Buthquhania] salmonum copia

426 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

seals here, being many, devour that fish, and the water itself is
small, till it come to near the sea, where, being choaked with
sand, it overflows and stagnates. On this part of the coast is the
best small cod, taken in great plenty ; so that Rattray codlings are
much sought after.

[description of CRIMOND. by MR. ALEXANDER HEPBCRN. A.D. M.DCC.XXI.'

Nixt to the north is the parish of Crimond, which is divided from Lonmay by the
river Rattray ; at the moutli of which river, on the south side, is situate the village
of Rattray, famous for cod fish, which the inhabitants take in great plenty, and
have the best way of drying and curing them. There are a great many sea-calves
in the mouth of the river ; and this is the reason why there are no salmon there.
From the sea coast, for the space of three miles westward, at a convenient distance
from each other, are the mannors of Brodland, Haddo, Crimond, and Logie,^ the
dwelling houses of their respective masters, William Frazer of Brodland, Peter
Black of Haddo, Alexander Irvine of Crimond, and Alexander Gordon of Logie.
There is likewise the parish kirk, an old building.'

Carta Johannis Walays • " (1371—1390.)

Robertus • Dei gracia ■ • Rex Scottorum • Omnibus etc. Sciatis nos ded-

disse etc. Johanni Walays ■ militi dilecto et fideli nostro • cranes terras de

exuberantes, praeter vnum cui nomen Ratra, qui quuni haud minori caeteris alueo feratur,
nullum tamen salmonem in se recipit."] Buchan[ani Rer. Scot. Hist., lib. i., cap. xxvii. :
" fluvii ejus cum salmonibus abundent, Ratram amnem tamen id genus piscis non in-
greditur."]
' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [" Twixt the house of Logie and the church, about half ways, are some stones of a
large size fixed in the ground, in an oval form." (Description of the parish of Crimond, by
Mr. James Keith, 1722. Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.) " On the north-
east side of the estate of Logie are the remains of a Druidical temple, the stones compos-
ing it of gigantic dimensions." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix.,
p. 709.)]

3 [" The church was built in 1576 ; at least this date is above one of the doors. It is
probable, however, that it had only been repaired that year, as there is still a Font stone in
the east end." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xi.,p. 417.)]

i [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, pp. 92, 123, 124. In a roll of missing charters of
King Robert III. is " Carta to Walter TuUach, of the town and lands of Ratray, within the
earldom of Buchan, by resignation of Hew Wallace." (Robertson's Index to the Charters,
p. 138.)]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— CRIMOND. 427

Tahvrrystona cum pertinenciis in baronia de Inuerwyk / infra vicecomitatum
de Edynburgche in viginti marcas annuj redditus debiti sine exeuntis de
terra de Thornyle in baronia de RenfFrew / infra vicecomitatum de Lanarke /
octo marcas annuj redditus debiti siue exeuntis de terris de Inglynstona et
de Annottouris in baronia de Dorysder / infra vicecomitatum de Drumfres /
ac omnes terras de Reytre in comitatu Buchanie / infra vicecomitatum de
Abirdene / que quidem terre et redditus cum pertinenciis frierunt • •
Johannis de Lyndesay de Cragy militis / et quas et quos • idem Johannes
de Lyndesay [e<c.] spontanea voluntate sua nobis \_etcJ] resignauit [_etc.']
In cuius rei etc. presenti carte nostre nostrum precepimus apponi
sigillum •

Carta terrarum de Rettre in Buchania ■ ' (a.d. 1459.)
Jacobus Dei gracia Rex Scotorum / Omnibus [efc] Sciatis nos dedisse
[efc] dilecto consanguineo nostro Willelmo comiti de Erroll domino
le Haye constabulario regni nostri • terras de Rettre • cum pertinen-
ciis / jacentes in comitatu nostro Buchanie infra vicecomitatum nostrum
de Aberdene ■ Que quidem terre cum pertinenciis fuerunt dilecti nostri
Walteri Tulloch de Bonyngtoune hereditarie et quas idem Walterus [^etc.l
sua mera et spontanea voluntate in manus nostras [etc.'] resignauit [etc.]
Tenendas [etc.] de nobis heredibus et successoribus nostris in feodo [etc.]
Faciendo [etc.] seruicia de dictis terris debita et consueta • In cuius rei
testimonium presenti carte nostre magnum sigillum nostrum apponi precepi-
mus • Testibus reuerendis in Cristo patribus Georgeo Episcopo Brechinensi
cancellario nostro / Thoma Episcopo Candide Case / dilectis consanguineis
nostris • Jacobo domino Levingstoune magno camerario nostro hospicii
nostri / Patricio domino de Grahame / Alexandro domino Montgomery /
Willelmo de Morauia de Tulibardin / magistris Jacobo Stewart decano
Morauiensi thesaurario nostro / Thoma Waus decano Glasguensi nostro
secretario / et Niniano de Spot canonico Dunkeldensi nostrorum computo-
rum rotulatore • Apud Edinburgh vicesimo quarto die mensis Marcii
Anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo octauo et regni
nostri vicesimo secundo •

' [From the original in the charter room at Slaines.]

428 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Ane assignatioune of the landis and baronry of Cremond maid be the Erie
of Ormund to the Erie of Erroll • ' (a. d. 1450.)

Be it kende tyll all men be thir present letteris vs Hew off Douglas Erll off
Ormonde and Lorde off the barownry of Crechmonde to haff sett ande to
ferme lattyhn [etc.'] tyll ane honorabill Lorde and our derest brothir Wll-
lyeme Lorde the Haye ande Constabill of Scotlande all and hayll our landis
of the barownry of Crechmonde with the pertinen lyande withtin the
schyreffdome off Aberden for the termes of • v ■ yeris enterande at the fest
of Witsonday next effter the datt of thir present letteris / the saide
Willyame Lord payande tyll vs yerly • xxviij • lib ■ xv ■ s • and • vi • d •
of vsuall monee of Scotlande at twa vsuall termes of the yer be evynly
porcionis / that is to say / Witsonday and Martimes in wynter / the
quhilk sett of the landis forsaide / witht all fredomys commoditeis ande
essmentis and all rychtwyse pertinens pertenande or may perten of law or
custum till ane maler / with hereyeld merchett and bludewik and with all
vthir rychtwyse pertinen that may perten of law / we retify ande afferme ■
Ande alsua we the forsaide Hew Erll makkis the saide Willyame Lorde our
balyee of all our landis of our saide barownry of Crechmonde with the
pertinen giffande and grantande to the saide Lorde our full power ande
speciall mandement our landis to sett mail to raisse courtis to halde tres-
passouris to punyss mercymentis and eschaettis to raisse our men and thair
inhabitaris and thair guddis to borow befor quhatsumeuer jug or jugis thai
be athachit and agayn tiU our court to bryng ande all and vthir syndry
thingis to do and vsse that to the office of balyery ar knawyne of law and
of custum to be done haldande and for to halde ferme and stabill quhat-
sumeuer the forsaide lorde in our naym ledis lauchfully to be don / this our
power of balyery till endur for the termes off ■ v • yeris befor saide / In
witnese off the quhilk to thir our present letteris we haff sett to our seill
at Edynburg the fyrst day off the moneth off September the yer off our
Lorde a thousane four hundreth ande fyffty yeris • ]

1 [From the original in the charter room at Slaines.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— LONMAY. 429

LONGMAY, OR SAINT COLM'S KIRK.

"5AINT Colm's kirk, or Longmay, hath for its
t ^ tutelar, Saint Colm. '

at KiNNINMONT. Chappel.

^ KiNNINMONT, the seat of Cumming of Kinnin- Manners.
mont.

Longmay, built incommodiously by

and lately sold by Patrick Ogilvie, esquire, brother
to the Earl of Finlater, to James Fraser, esquire, brother to the
Lord Salton.

[description of the parish of LONMAY. BY MR. ALEXANDER HEPBURN.
A.D. M.DCC.XXI. 2

X o the north of Rattray, lyes the parish of Lonraay ; in which stands the manner
of Cairnes, belonging to the Lord Saltoun ; Craig Elie, the dwelling house of
Thomas Gordon of Craig Elie ; Crimon-mogat, now in the hands of creditors ;
Kinninmonth, the residence of John Cumming of Kinninmonth. And, last of all,
lyes the parish kirk.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARISH OF LONMAY. A.D. M.DCC.XXIl. ^

-L he parish of Loumay lyeth south and north, being five miles large in lenth, and
not above one and a half in breadth.

In the north end of this parish standeth the house of Inveralochie, belonging

• [" Previous to the year 1608, the parish church was by the sea side, hard by where
the village of Saint Combs now stands. It appears to have been of small dimensions.
A Druidical circle is very entire, at Newark, in Crimonmogate. The centre stone is of
great size, and, (as well as several others composing the circle,) must have been brought
from a great distance." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxv., pp. 224,
232. Edinb. 1840.)

" This parish, at different times, has been named Saint Colm, from the name of the
saint to whom the old church was dedicated ; and Longmay, Longmey, and Lonmay, from
the name of the estate on which the church now stands." (Statistical Account of Scot-
land, vol. xvi., p. 631. Edinb. 1795.)]

2 [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

430 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

to a gentleman of the same designation, three miles from the town of Frasers-
hurgh to the south-east, situate on the north side of ane loch, which will be ane
mile and a half in circumference, from which it takes its denomination. About a
mile east from this house, by the sea side, there's the remains of an old church
and churchyard, where is the burial place of this familie of Inveralochie. A
mile south from Inveralochie, standeth the parish church ; having the house of
Cairnes, belonging to the Lord Saltoun, about a quarter of a mile to the north-
west ; the house of Craigellie, belonging to a gentleman of the same designation,
one mile to the west ; the house of Crimon-moggat, another gentleman's house,
one mile to the south ; the remains of the old house of Lonmey, ' one mile to the
east, which is situate in The Links at the mouth of the water of Strabeg, which water
produceth abundance of cockles, as also trouts and fleucks, but no salmon. It
runs east till near the sea, then turns and runs north into the sea, which makes a
large bar of sand betwixt the water and the sea, which will be two large miles in
length. Two miles south-west from the church, is the house of Blairmormunth ;
and four miles south the church, is the house of Kininmunth, situate on the west
side of ane large moss and moor, above twelve miles in circumference, out of
which three or four parishes are served with fire.

Half of a mile to the east from Kininmunth, ther is the remains of an old
chappell and a burial place, though now in dessuetude. The King's highway
goeth from Inveralochie, south by the church, to The Calsay of Kininmunth, being
through a moss, one mile to the west of the house of Kininmunth ; near to which
causay, on the north side, ther's The Loch of Kininmunth, which will be two
miles in circumference, but produceth no kind of fish ; from thence straight
south to the bridge of Gavil, which is a timber bridge on a branch of the water
of Eugie, that separates this parish from Old Deer ; and thence straight south
to Old Deer.]

I [" In the links of Lonmay, near the sea, is the site of an old castle, called The Castle
of Lonmay, from which all the stones have been carried off." (The New Statistical Ac.
count of Scotland, number xxv., p. 224.)]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— FRASERSBURGH. 431

FRASERSBURGH.

RASERSBURGH was, of old, called Philortb, be-
cause the church then stood near that castle ; but
now it stands in the town of Frasersburgh. ' This
present church was built by Sir Alexander Fraser
of Philorth, under Bishop Patrick Forbes.

The Lord Salton is the patron.

The old church of Philorth stood among the

' ["Alexander Fraser of Philorth became the head of the family, by the death of his
grandfather, April twelfth, 1569, to whom he was served and retoured heir the twenty-
eighth of March, 1570. This gentleman enjoyed an eminent degree of favour with King
.Tames VI., both before and after his accession to the English crown, and had several
charters of lands from him upon narratives that are very much to his honour. He was
one of these barons King James conferred the honour of knighthood upon, at the solemnity
of the baptism of his son Prince Henry, August thirtieth, 1594. Soon after he came to
the estate, he began to build a large and beautiful town at Faithlie, ^ where his family had
formerly a burgh of barony ; and in the year 1570, March sixth, he laid the foundation of
the Tower of Kynnairdshead, since called the Castle of Frasersburgh ; and the next year
he built a new church there. In the 1576, March ninth, he began to build a large
and convenient harbour at the same place, and laid himself the first stone of it, in nomine
Patris, Fitii, et Spiritus Sancii. He continued to beautifie and inlarge the town with
publick buildings and fine streets ; and, at length, by the favour of King James, got it erected
into a brugh of regality, with very ample privileges to himself and his successors, of
naming the magistrates and town council, and of erecting there an University, equal in
privileges to any other in the kingdom, giving him and his heirs the nomination of the
principal, professors, and whole masters thereof. This town got then the name of
Frasersburgh, upon which the reverend Mr. David Rattray, parson of Philorth, made the
following verses :

' Hoc tibi Fraseria populis Rex curia nomen.
Hoc dedit a proavis nobile nomen eques ;
Vive diu felix, vero pietatis amore :
Vive memor tanti nominis usque tui.'

2 [" Faithlie was erected into a free burgli of barony, in favour of Alexander Fraser of Philorth, by a
charter from Queen Mary, dated the second of November, 1546. Thereafter King James VI. granted a
charter of novodamus, dated ninth April, I58S, again erecting the town of Faithlie into a free burgh of
barony, and free port. A charter was granted by King James VI., dated fourth April, 1601, in favour of
Sir Ale.^ander Fraser of Philorth, whereby the burgh of barony of Faithlie was erected into a free port, free
burgh of barony, and free regality, to be called in all time thereafter the burgh and regality of Fraser-
burgh." (Municipal Corporations (Scotland) Local Reports, part iii., pp. 59, 171, 172. London, 1836.
fol. Presented to both Houses of Parliament, by command of his Majesty.)]

432 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

sands. It was dedicated to Saint Medan, ' a Bishop, in great
favour with King Conran, about A.D. d.iii. His feast was kept on
the fourteenth of November.*

He died at his Castle of Frasersburgh on Saturday the twelfth of April, 1623, and on
the twenty-seventh thereafter, was with great funeral solemnity interred in the isle belong-
ing to his family there." (Crawfurd's Lives of the Officers of State in Scotland, p. 283.)

" In the west end of the town of Fraserburgh is an old quadrangular tower of three
stories, a small part of a large building, intended for a college, by Sir Alexander Eraser,
who, in 1592, obtained a charter from the crown, in which powers were given to erect
and endow a college and university ; to appoint a rector, a principal, a subprincipal, and
all the professors for teaching the different sciences they should think proper and neces-
sary ; to make laws for the preservation of good order, and to enforce them. Every
immunity and privilege of an university is granted, as the charter runs ' in amplissima
forma, et niodo debi/o, in omnibus respectibus, ut conceditur et datur cuicunque collegia
et universitati intra regnum nostrum erecto seu erigendo.' In [1600], the General Assembly
recommended Mr. Charles Farme, minister here, to be principal ; but it appears nothing
farther was done." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. vi., pp. 9, 10. Edinb. 1793.)
Dr. M'Crie, in his Life of Mr. Andrew Melville, has detailed the history of the projected col-
lege at Frasersburgh. Mr. Fairholme, or Ferme, the proposed principal, died on the twenty-
fourth of September, 1617. His Latin Commentary on St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans was
published at Edinburgh, in 1051, by Principal Adamson, who prefixed to it a brief
memoir of the writer, his old schoolfellow. See Gordon's History of Scots Affairs, vol. i.,
appendix to the preface, p. xxxiii. ; Archbishop Spottiswoode's Hist, of the Ch. of Scot.,
pp. 486, 487 ; Maidment's Catalogues of Scotish Writers, p. 17 ; Row's Historic of the
Kirk of Scotland, pp. 202, 229, 421 ; The Booke of the Universall Kirk of Scotland,
p. 486.]

' [Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, estiuali, xiiij Nouembris : " Sancti
Modani episcopi et confessoris qui apud Philorth percelebris habetur."]

* King's Calendar [: " Nouember 14. S. Middane patron of Fillorthe bischope and con-
fessor in Scotland vnder King Conranus, a.d. 503."]; Camerarius [De Scot. Fortitvdine,
p. 1 98 : " Sanctus Medanus, episcopus et confessor, Celebris habetur in Buchania Scotiae
prouincia, illo praesertim loco, cui Fillorth nomen, cuius etiam tutelaris habetur."] ; Les-
laeus, lib. iv. [T. Dempsteri Hist. Ecclesiast. Gentis Scotorum, t. i., p. 457 : " S. Mid-
DANCS, abbas in Buquhania, celebrem sui populo illi recordationem reliquit memoriam ; de
cujus actis raira narrantur. Acta ejus habebat mss. v. cl. Joannes Fraserius, ' Parisi-

1 [*' Joannes Fraserius, ex nobilissiraa familia Philorthia, rari amoenique ingenii, Farisiis diu philoso-
pbiam professus cum gloria, Harcuriani moderator, abbas Novioduni aut Compendii, in pio literatogue otio
consenuit. Ejus sunt : ' In universam Aristotelis Philosophiam Commentarii doctissimi lib. i. ; Contro-
Tersiae Fidei lib. i., vernacule ; Epistola ad nobilem Calvinistam,' qua ilia singula controversiarum capita
raira brevitate et doctrina incomparabili retractat, ac offert se in partes illius transiturum nisi vera sint et
solida Catholicorum rudimenta, erronae vero, et sacrae Scripturae contrariae baereticorum Scotorum impos-

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— FRASERSBURGH. 433

at ChAPPELTON. Cha|)|)e!s

at FiNGASK. '

Techmurie, the seat of Gordon of Techmurie, whose grand- Mannors.
father was parson of Rothimay, ^ and son to the famous Robert
Gordon of Straloch.

Kinnairds-head/ or the castle of Frasersburgh, belonging to
the Lord Salton.

Philorth, the seat of Fraser, Lord Salton.

ensis professor, et publicare bono patriae cogitabat, sed mors praevenit, et veluti secundo
funere Middanum extulit, qui patroiius est in Phillorthe, Fraseriorum nobilissimoriim gentili
patrimonio. Scripsit ' Epistolas ad varios, lib. i. ; Documeiita ad Fratres, lib. i.'. Floruit
anno Diii. Colitur xix. Novembris. Breviar. Scot."]

' [" In tlie parish are the ruins of two chapels ; one called The College, at which some
monks, belonging to the abbey of Deer, resided. Near this is a well, where the supersti-
tious practice of leaving some trifle, after drinking of its waters, still exists." (Statistical
Account of Scotland, vol. vi., p. 9.) " The practice alluded to seems now to be
given up." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxv., p. 251. Edinb.
1840.)]

2 [See Gordon's History of Scots Affairs, vol. i., pref, pp. 36 — 38. Aberdeen.
Printed for the Spalding Club. 1841. 4to.]

3 [" On the point of Kinnaird's head, stands an old quadrangular tower, called The
Wine Tower, built on a rock overhanging the sea. There is no communication between
the lowest and the second storey : an outer door opens into the third, from which there is
a passage, through the floor, down to the second : no vestige of a stair, within or without,
is visible. Under this tower is a cave, penetrating into the rock, more than one hundred
feet. A few yards west of The Wine Tower, stands the castle of Kinnaird's head, built
about the year 1600, in the form of a parallelogram, thirty-nine feet by twenty-seven,
still entire, and strong, and lately repaired. Being on an eminence, and four stories high,

turae ac doctrioae. Lutetiae prodiit., lib. i. ' Foemata, vario carmine, lib. i. ; Orationes eloquentissimae
lib. i.' Obiit Lutetiae ipso Paschatis die, cum ipse mense toto antea langueDS optasset, eo die resurgeutem
assertorem huniani generis corporis vinculo liber venerari, anno mdcv. sepultus ad D. Francisci." Demp-
steri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., pp. 291,* 292.*

He was, according to Crawfurd, the fourth son of Alexander Fraser of Philorth. The '* Epistola ad
nobilem Calvinistam," says this writer, " I judge must be the book he writ, intituled ' Olfer made to a
gentleman of quality by John Fraser, to subscribe and embrace the Ministers of Scotland's Religion, if they
can sufficiently prove that they have the true Kirk and lawful Calling." It was printed at Paris in 1004. In
the 1596, Mr. Fraser was unanimously elected Rector of the University of Paris, and died there in an ad-
vanced age, the I9th of April, stylo novo, being Easter Day, 1609, and was interred in the Franciscans
Church there. Dempster by a mistake places his death in the 1605." Crawfurd's Lives of the Officers of
State in Scotland, p. 282.]

434 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[description of FHAZERBURGH. BT MR. ALEXANDER HEPBURN.
A. D. M.DCC.XXI.'

The river of Philorth divides Rathen from the parish of Frazerburgh, to tlie
north. In this parish is situated Philorth, the dwelling place of the Lord Saltoun ;
and a little to the north, is the town of Frazerburgh. It is a burgli of regality ;
the Lord Saltoun is superior. Here is a good harbour for ships of a considerable
burden, and a road for anchoring : there is a toolbooth. The parish kirk is in
the town, with the family of Saltoun's burial place adjoyning to it. On the north
side of the town stands the castle of Kinneards Head, the jointure house of the
dowager of Saltoun. This is the northmost place on the coast, as the castle of
Peterhead is the most easterly. Three miles to the south-west, in the same
parish, stands the mannor of Techmurie, the dwelling house of James Gordon of
Techmurie. From Kinneards Head the coast runs directly westward, and here
liegins the north firth.

Collacio juris patronatus ecclesie de Filorthe.- (a.d. 1362.)

Dauid Dei gracia Rex Scottorum omnibus etc. Sciatis nos pro salute
anime nostre etc. dedisse etc. Deo et Beate Marie ecclesie cathedralis
Aberdonensis necnon venerabili in Xpo patri Alexandre Episcopo eiusdeni
et capitulo / jus patronatus ecclesie de Filorthe • Tenendum et habendum
eisdem Episcopo et capitulo in puram et perpetuam elemosinara ad sustan-
tacionem duorum capellanorum in eadem ecclesia perpetuo celebratur-
orum / secundum disposicionem et ordinacionem predictorum Episcopi et

it coinmands an extensive prospect. In this parish are some ruins of Pictish houses, as
they are called, by the country people. These are about ten feet square, with a door, and
hearthstone evidently marked with fire." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. vi.,
pp. 10, 13.)]

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

- [From the Rcgistrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 24. In a roll of missing charters of King
Robert I., is " Renunciatio Hiigonis comitis, domino Regi, advocationis ecclesie de Philorth,
in Biichan, data apud Perth, 29 Martii 1330." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 29.)
On the fifth of July, 1483, "in the accioun and cause persewit be Alexander Scot clerk
(if register and persone of Phillorth again William of Carnequhyn for the wrangwiss
withhalding fra the said Alexander of the some of xxv pundis of the rest of the some of
fifty pundis of the froitis of the said personage of Phillorthe be resone of his obligacione
schewin and producit befor the lordis [etc.] The lordis auditouris decretis and deliueris
that the said William sal content and pay to the said Alexander the said some" [e<c.]
'Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p. 113«.)]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— PITSLIGO. 435

capituli adeo libere etc. saluo jure nunc rectoris eiusdem quousque cedat vel
decedat In cuius rei etc • Apud Abirden • xx™" • die Januarij / Anno
regnj nostrj Tricesirao tercio • •

Contirmacio terre de Estirtyry •' (a.d. 1369.)

Dauid Dei gracia • • Rex • • Scottorum / Omnibus [etc.'] Sciatis no^
approbasse etc. i donacionem illam et concessionem / quas Hugo de Rosse •
de Felorthe / fecit et concessit / Alexandre de Sancto Claro filio quon-
dam Thome de Sancto Claro de terra de Estirtyry cum pertinenciis infra
vicecomitatum de Abirdene [etc.'] In cuius rei etc. Testibus etc. Apud
Dunde • ■ Primo die Nouembris • anno regni nostri Quadragesirao ■ •
Prime ■ • ]

PITSLIGO.

^^^^^^^^jjITSLIGO church was built, about A.D. M.DC.xxx.,
f^i^^^Av^ by Sir Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo, created after-
^^ p^ 1|| ward the first Lord Pitsligo. It has an isle for
Mj ^^^1^ *^^ burial of that family ; and the parish was
^j ^^v^ chiefly taken out of Aberdaur. ^ Lord Pitsligo is

^^^^^4- "-^ among the sands, near Pitsligo Chappel.

castle, dedicated, it would seem, to The Nine Maidens, whose
well supplies the castle with water.

Pitsligo. The castle,^ (which was built, three hundred years Mannors.

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 76. In a roll of missing charters of Kino-
David II., is " Carta to Walter Leslie, of the barony of Philorth." (Robertson's Index to

the Charters, p. 35.) See also Crawfurd's Lives of the Officers of State, pp. 279 285;

Acta Domiuorum Auditorum, pp. 89, 90 ; Acta Dominorum Concilii, pp. 37, 66, 80, 280.1

2 [" It is the last erected parish within this presbj'tery. The lands of Pittendrum were
formerly in the parish of Fraserburgh, and a few farms belonged to that of Tyrie, but the
greatest part of it to Aberdour, from which it was disjoined, upon an application from Lord
Pitsligo, in 1634'." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. v., p. 96. Edinb. 1793.)]

3 [On the thirteenth of October, 1490, " the lordis of consale decrettis and deliueris
that Johns Cowisoun in Carnyquhyn and Andro Cowysone sal restore and deliuer agane to
Arthure Forbes certane gudis vtensill and domicill to the avale of ane hundreth merkis

436 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

ago, by the founder of this family, and much after the manner of
Castle Forbes,) is now much decayed and neglected, because in-
(?ommodious; for it is well known, that these old castles, built
during the feuds, though strong and thick, were yet very clumsy,
and the rooms in them were few and sorry : insomuch, that having
nothing of the present politeness and variety, they serve for little
but to shew the ancient grandeur of the family. Ther are, there-
for, other lodgings built since, more convenient for receiving of
strangers ; which lodgings, together with the castle, do now almost
form a court.

This is the seat of Forbes, Lord Pitsligo ; the first of which
family was Sir William, one of the sons of Sir John Forbes of
Druminnor,' who, under King James I., got Pitsligo, Boyndlie,
etc., by marrying Margaret, ^ only daughter of Sir William Fraser
of Philorth.

I. This Sir William, the first of Pitsligo, had, by his wife, (Mar-
garet Fraser, - daughter to Sir William Fraser of Philorth,)

II. Sir Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo ; who, by daughter

to the Earl of Errol, had, (besides George, and Arthur of Riris in
Fife, and several daughters, one married to John Gordon of Bo-
tarie, one to The Sheriff of Cromarty, one lady Moncofier, one
lady Balquholly,) his heir,

III. Sir Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo^; who, by [Christian,]

quhilkis gudis wer spuilyeit and taken fra the said Arthure out of the houss of Petslego
be the saidis personis / and thai tuk thaim to our Souerane Lordis remissioun thairfore
[ete.]" (Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 148.) See also p. 36, and Acta Dominornm
Auditorum, p. 92.]

' [Commonly called " Sir John with The Black Lip." Lumsdcn's Genealogy of the
Family of Forbes, pp. 10, 23.]
^ [Agnes. See Crawfurd's Lives of the Officers of State in Scotland, p. 280.]
3 [On the thirteenth of October, 1467, " the lordis decretis that our Souerain Lordis
lettres be writen chargeand Schyr Alexander Forbace of Petslego to cess of all enter-
meting with the landis of Fingask and the office of balyery of the samyn pertening to
Schyr Alexander Forstare of Corstorfyn knichte on to the tyme that he comper befor the
lordis of counsale and schew what reson he has to entermet thairwith [etc.']" (Acta Domi-

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— PITSLIGO. 437

daughter to Lord Ogilvy, had, (besides William of The Daacli,)
his heir,

IV. [John] Forbes of Pitsligo ; who, by [Margaret,]
daughter to Sir Patrick Weems of Riris, had, (besides daughters,
one married to William Woodman in Fenzies, one to William
White of Aberdour, and one to William Lawson of Dysart,) his
heir,

V. John Forbes of Pitsligo ' ; who, by [Jean,] daughter to Sir
William Keith of Inverugy, had, (besides Mr. Arthur, slain at
Pinkie, where his eldest brother was sore wounded, John, and
William, the lady Laurenston, lady Watterton, and lady Pitten-
drum,) his heir,

VI. Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo, called The Red Laird ; * who,
by [Beatrix,] daughter to Lord Salton, had, (besides Alexander,
who succeeded his eldest brother, and so at last represented his
father, Mr. John slain at Pinkie, Mr. Arthur, George slain at
Pinkie, and Hector, all which, except George, left children,) his
heir,

William Forbes of Pitsligo ; who, by Catharine, daughter to
Gordon of Strathawin, had, (two daughters, one married James
Forbes of Lethinty, and one lady Auchinhove, but,) no son, so
that his brother Alexander became heir.

VII. Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo, (second son to William,)
who, (by Alison Anderson, relict of Tolquhon, had one daughter,

norum Auditorum, p. 6.) In the year 1471, there was an " actioune and causs of sum-
mondis movit be Alexander Setoune aganis Alexander Forbes of Petslego knycht and Johne
Mowate of Loscragy for the wrangwiss vptakin and withhaldin of a yeris male of the landis
of Kilmondess being in our Souerane Lordis handis befor the entre of the said Alexander
Setoun." (Id., pp. 19, 20.)]

' [" Vpoun the xxvj day of Januare, [1536,] the lab-d of Petslego with his complices
was summond to wnderly the law, for ane discord betuix him and the schereffe

of quha compeirit not, and wes put to the horn for nocht compeirance."

(Diurnal of Occurrents, p. 20. Edinb. 1833. 4to.)]

• See Lumsden in Brux [Genealogy of the Family of Forbes, p. 41.]
3 K

438 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

married to George Menzies, heir of Pitfoddels, and then,) by his
second wife, Barbara, daughter to William Earl Marishal, had,

VIII. Sir John Forbes of Pitsligo ; who, by Christian, daughter
to Walter first Lord Deskford, had,

IX. Sir Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo ; created Lord Pitsligo,
June twenty-fourth, A.D. m.dc.xxxiii. By Jane, (daughter to
William, Earl Marishal,) he had,

X. Alexander ; who, by Mary, (daughter to James Earl of
Buchan,) had,

XII. Alexander ; who dying m.dc.xci., by Sophia, (daughter
to John Earl of Marischal,) had the present Lord, '

' [An interesting memoir of the last Lord Pitsligo, by his learned and accomplished kins-
luan, Lord Medwyn, has been recently published in the preface to a small devotional work
written by the venerable peer, entitled " Thoughts concerning Man's Duties in this Life, and
his Hopes in the World to come," " I do not know any better rules or maxims than the
three following, which were framed by the old monk, to enable a man to pass through life
with ease and security : Nunquam male logui de sitperioribus. Fungi officio taliter qualiter.
Sinere insamnn mundum vadere, quo vult ; nam vult vadere, quo vult. The first of these
may be greatly improved by adding St. . . . 's precept, To speak evil of no man. And
whoever is so happy, either from his natural disposition or his good judgment, constantly
to observe this precept, will certainly acquire the love and esteem of the whole community
of which he is a member. But such a man is the rara avis in terris ; and, among all my
acquaintance, I have known only one person to whom I can with truth assign this cha-
racter. The person, I mean, is the present Lord Pitsligo of Scotland. I not only never
heard this gentleman speak an ill word of any man living, but I always observed him
ready to defend any other person who was ill spoken of in his company. If the person
accused were of his acquaintance, my Lord Pitsligo would always find something good to
say of him as a counterpoise. If he were a stranger, and quite unknown to him, my lord
would urge in his defence the general corruption of manners, and the frailties and infirmi-
ties of human nature. It is no wonder that such an excellent man, who, besides, is a polite
scholar, and has many other great and good qualities, should be universally admired and
beloved, insomuch, that I persuade myself he has not one enemy in the world. At least,
to this general esteem and affection for his person, his preservation must be owing. For,
since his attainder, he has never removed far from his own house, protected by men of
different principles, and unsought for and unmolested by the government." (Political and
Literary Anecdotes of His Own Times. By Dr. William King, Principal of St. Mary
Hall, Oxon., pp. 143—146, second edit. Lond. 1819. 8vo.) Lord Pitsligo died at
Auchiries, in Aberdeenshire, on the twenty-first of December, 1762.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— PITSLIGO. 439

XII. Alexander, (the twelfth inclusively from Sir William, the
first laird of Pitsligo); who, by Rebecca, (daughter to John
Norton of London, merchant,) has the present Master of
Pitsligo, John. '

[dESCKIPTION of the parish of pitsligo. P.V MR. PATRICK COOK.
A.D. M.DCC.XXIII.^

The parish of Pitsligo,^ in the shire of Aberdeen, and presbytery of Deer, hath
to the west, the parish of Aberdour ; to the south, the parish of Tyrie ; and to the
east, the parish of Fraserburgh ; and to the north, the German Ocean.

The church and manse are seated near the King's highway betwixt Fraserburgh
and Bamif, near the center of the parish.

The house of Pitsligo is north from the cliurch about a quarter of a mile, and
as much west from PittuUie.

To shew the simplicity and rudeness of these times : the old Tower of Pitsligo
was built about three hundred years ago, eighty foot long, and thirty-six foot
broad ; the walls nine foot thick. It was about one hundred and fourteen foot
high, divided into three stories, of which two are yet standing. The whole house
consisted of three rooms ; the lowest was the kitchen, and is twelve foot high ; the
second was the eating room, and is twenty-five foot high ; the third, which was
taken down about twenty years ago, was the sleeping room for the whole family,
and had in it twenty-four beds. Both the lower rooms were vaulted.

A little to the south of it, is a well of extraordinary fine water, and one of the
largest springs thats to be seen. It is called The Nine Maiden Well ; and, pro-
bably, takes its name from the nine Muses. There was a large ditch round the
whole house.

' [John, Master of Pitsligo, who died at Auchiries on the thirtieth of August, 1781,
aged sixty-eight.]

2 [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

^ [" Several of the fishermen of Newton-on- Ayr, in the shire of Ayr, are the descendants
of a colony from Pitsligo, and some places adjacent, which settled at Newton-on- Ayr sixtj-
years ago, [i. e. a.d. 1777.] They were induced to do so from some of their number who
had been impressed on board of a man-of-war, which was for a considerable time stationed
in the Frith of Clyde, having observed that fishes were to be found on this coast in great
abundance." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xvi., p. 95. Edinb. 1837.)
" Several of the Rosehearty herring-boats set out about the first of March, to prosecute
the cod and ling fishing oif the island of Tiree ; they carry the produce of their fishing to
Glasgow, whence they bring home a cargo of coals." (Id., number xxviii., pp. 402, 403.)]

440 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

About a quarter of a mile nortli of Pitsligo, is Rosehartie, a burgh of barony,
erected by King Charles the Second,' with the privilege of two mercats, having
a tolbooth in it. A little distance to the east, a harbour was designed ; one of the
peirs was built, but is now fallen. To the north of Rosehartie, is a sea toivn, with
a harbour for small barks.

The coast from Rosehartie to Fraserburgh is low and rockie ; and from Rose-
hartie to Aberdour, the rocks are a little higher. There is great plenty of ware,
or sea weed, which is much made use of for manure.

About a quarter of a mile to the east of Rosehartie, is the ruines of an old
chappel, built before the reformation. It seems to have been a chappel of ease
to the family of Pitsligo before the parish was divided from Aberdour ; that kirk
beino- near four miles distance from Pitsligo. It serves yet for a burial place to
strangers who happen to be shipwreck'd upon that coast. ^

' [In 1681. See Municipal Corporations (Scotland) Local Reports, part iii., pp. 147,
148. Lond. 1836. fol. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by command of His
Majesty. See also Douglas' Description of the East Coast, pp. 289, 290.]

2 ['■ About this tyme [A.D. 1556,] thair came ane gret ship, and with hir a pink, furth
of Muscovia, bowin toward Ingland, with ane ambassadour from the Emperor of Muscovia,
quhilk ship and pink was drevin be gret stormes and windis upoun the northest of Scot-
lande, at Kynardis heid, within the countrey of Buchane, quhair a grit number of thair
cumpanie was dronit and boith the shippes, the most pairt of his guidis losed be the wracke
of the seay ; bot the ambassadour him selfe was saved, with a grit part of his cumpanie, and
was Weill intertenit be the cuntrymen, and conveyit thairfra to Edinburgh to the Quene
regent, quha eftir guid intertenement causit the Lord Hwnie accumpanie him to Berwik
in the moneth of Februar thaireftir." (Bishop Lesley's History of Scotland, pp. 257,258.
Edinb. 1830. 4to.)

[A.D. 1556.] " The Edward Bonauenture trauersing the seas foure moneths, finally the
tenth day of Nouember of the aforesayd yeere of our Lorde, one thousand fiue hundred
iiftie and sixe, arriued within the Scottish coast in a bale named Pettislego, where by out-
ragious tempests and extreme stormes, the sayd ship being beaten from her ground tackles,
was driven upon the rockes on shore, where she brake and split iu pieces, in such sorte, as
the grand pilot vsing all carefulnesse for the safetie of the bodie of the saide ambassadour
and his trayne, taking the boatc of the sayd ship, trusting to attaine the shore, and so to saue
and presenie the body and seuen of the companie or attendaunts of the sayde ambassadour : the
same boate by vigorous waues of the seas was by darke night ouerwhelmed and drowned,
wherein perished not onely the bodie of the said grand pilot, with seuen Russies, but also
diuers of the mariners of the sayd ship : the noble personage of the sayde ambassadour
with a few others (by Gods preseruation and speciall fauour) onely with much ditficultie
saued. In which shipwracke not onely the sayde ship was brokin, but also the whole masse
and bodie of the goods laden in her, was by the rude and rauenous people of the countrey
thereunto adjoyning, rifled, spoyled, and carried away, to the manifest losse and vtter de-

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— PITSLIGO. 441

The house of PituUie' is north-east from the church about a half, and about a
quarter, of a mile, south from the sea. Near a quarter of a mile north west from
the house, among the sands, have been found a great many dead bodies, carefully
buried ; thin large stones, plac'd beneath, at the sides, and above each body, have
serv'd them for coffins. It is not twelve years since some of the graves were
rais'd, and all the bones were lying in their natural order. This place is called by
the countrey people Wallace Home, as if he had fought a battle there ; but this
conjecture seems to be without ground, since no history tells us of his having been
so far north. It appears more probable, that when the Danes were defeated at
Cruden, they have made their retreat this way, with a design to recover their
ships, or to join their countrey men in Murray, (see afterward, in the account of
the parish of Rathen), either of which the Scots would certainly endeavour to pre-
vent ; and 'tis not unlike they might have a skirmish here, where the sea would
hinder the further flight of the Danes. This conjecture is the more to be regarded,
that there is a pretty large muir on Pittendrum, in this parish, a mile to the south-
east of the house of Pittulie, about two miles south-west from Fraserburgh, and
one mile south-east from the church, in which there are a great many small
cairns,^ about twice the length and breadth of a man's body, and, at the east end
of the muir, one large cairn. The remark made upon the like muir in the parish

struction of all the lading of the sayd ship, and together with the ship, apparell, ordinance
and furniture belonging to the company, in value of one thousand pounds, of all which was
not restored towards the costes and charges to the summe of 500 li. sterling." (" A Dis-
course of the honourable receiuiiig into England of the first Ambassadour from the Emperour
of Russia, in the yeere of Christ, 1356, seruing for the third voyage to Moscouie. Regis-
tered by John Incent, protonotarie," printed in Hakluyt, p. 332. edit. 1589. fol.) See also
Cooley's History of Maritime and Inland Discovery, vol. ii., pp. 143 — 146. Lond. 1830.
8vo.]

' [" The castle of Pittulie, now in ruins, it is supposed, must have been built by the
Saltoun family, as their coat of arms, carved in stone, is still legible on the original part ol
the building ; it was, however, afterwards enlarged by the Cummings, in whose possession
the property long was." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 398.
Edinb. 1840.)]

2 [" On the side of the high road from Fraserburgh to Band", are some cairns, or tumuli.
about sixty feet in circumference at the base, composed of round stones, piled up in a coni-
cal shape to the height of thirty feet. On opening one of them, some years ago, large flag
stones were found placed in the ground, in the form of a chest or coffin, and containing ashes
of burnt bones. Some arrow heads of flint were also found, but no weapons of metal of any
kind. Tradition says they are the burying places of hostile invaders from Denmark or
Norway, who were defeated in that neighbourhood, and seem to have been pursued with
slaughter a great way along the coast, where several such tumuli are still to be seen."
(Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. v., pp. 97, 98. Edinb. 1793.)]

442 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

of Ratheii, will agree to this ; which, being directly the way from the cairns of
Memsie in Rathen, to the place where the graves are, give good ground to believe
that all has happened about the same time, and serve to confirm the conjectures
made upon each. There is another large cairn near a mile west from this muir,
and a third, half a mile west of that.

A large mile from the house of Pittoulie, and two short miles west from Fraser-
burgh, on Pittendrum, lies Sandhaven ; a place capable of being made a fine har-
bour, upon little charges, with a large bason and such a depth of water as would
be sufficient for ships of considerable burden, with two entries. There is a tract
of rocks betwixt the two entries, which defends tlie bason from the north winds :
it is likewise defended from the north-east winds by the point of Kinneard's Head,
and from the north-west by the point of Rosehartie. Half a mile to the south of
Sandhaven, is the foundation of an old castle, called Newwork of Pittendrum.
By the thickness of the walls, it seems to have been designed for a strong house ;
but it was never finished.

About three-fourths of a mile from the house of Pittullie, eastward, there is a
sea town and a harbour for small boats.

The parish of Pitsligo was taken off the parish of Aberdour in the reign of
King Cliarles the First, a few years before the rebellion ; the famous Mr. Andrea-
Cant' having been the first minister.

The parish, though now bare, has had abundance of wood, as appears from
roots of oaks, etc., still found in the mosses. ^ ]

ABERDAUR.

BERDAUR church is dedicated to Saint Durstan.
He was of the Royal blood of Scotland ; and, being
addicted to religion from his childhood, was sent
over to be bred under Saint Colm in Ireland,
quhare he became Abbot of Dalquhongale ; but,
leaving that country, he became a hermit, and,
returning home, he built the church of Glenesk.

' [" The church still retains his name, being called ' Cant's Kirk' by the fishermen. His
Mkeness, carved in stone, with his initials, is seen on the east end, outside. The church is
seen at a great distance, and hence it is sometimes called ' The Visible Church,' as well as
• Cant's Kirk.' " (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., pp. 397, 403.)
See also the Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. v., p. 103 ; P. Buchan's Ancient Ballads
of the North of Scotland, vol. i., pp. 266, 267, 268, 317, 318. Edinb. 1828. 8vo.]

- [See Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. v., p. 98.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— ABERDOUR. 443

His bones were kept in a stone chest, at Aberdaur, where they
were conceived to work several cures. ' This account is from the
Breviary of Aberdeen, where this collect is appointed for his
day: " Deus qui beatum Drostanum confessorem tuum atque
abbatem preclaris decorasti miraculis : presta quesumus vt ad ea
que eidem contulisti premia in celestibus eternaliter pertingamus •
Per Dominum nostrum • " ^ These verses are sung also in praise
of him :

" Vir Drostanus Veneremur

Christianus Et precemur

Fidei constancia Ipsum cum instancia

Vita clarus Vt spe precum

Deo carus Ducat secum

Fuit ab infancia : Nos ad celi gaudia • "

The patron ^ was formerly Pitsligo, now Forbes of Aberdaur.

on QuiTHLE, near Glenquithle, " (formerly called Chappei.

Glenduachy). This little farm gave formerly the title of Lord to
the eldest son of Cummin, Earl of Buchan.

' [" Ossa vero sanctissimi confessoris Drostani apud Aberdovvyr in tumba recondimtur
lapidea vbi multi diuersis morborum languoribus pregrauati eius meritis restituuntur saiii-
tati." Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, fol. six. J

2 [Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, fol. six.]

3 [See above, p. 227, note '. On the thirteenth of December, 1482, " Maister Dauid
Guthre " was " persone of Aberdour." (Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p. 108.) On the
fourth of February, 1484, " the lordis of counsale decretis and deliueris that James of
Craik sail content and pay to a reuerend fader in Code Robert Bischop of Glasgw a last
of gude salmont or xxvj lib. of siluer for the price thairof / for the quhilk the said James
come dettour to the procuraturis of the said reuerend fader for the subsede and procurasiis
of Aberdour and for a taxt the tyni that the said reuerend fader was Bischop of Aber-
dene." (Acta Dominorum Concilii, pp. 108*, 109*.)]

* [" At a place called Chapelden, in the land of Auchmedden, the ruins of a Roman
Catholic chapel are still to be seen, on a haugh opposite the Torr of Troup. The walls
are completely demolished, and nothing remains but a heap of stones, which have been
held sacred by the husbandman ; for, although in the midst of a cultivated field, they have
never been touched by the plough." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number
XXV., p. 264. Edinb. 1840.]

444 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Mannors. AucHMEDDEN, a fair and old court. ' The name, in Irish,

signifies a wood in a den, ther having been formerly a little wood
here, of oak, alder, birch, etc., though now almost destroyed. It
has been, for some ages, the seat of Baird of Auchmedden, who
is chief of this name, (whereof ther are two considerable gentlemen
in the south, Baird of Newbyth, baronet, in East Lothian, and
Baird of Sauchtonhall, in West Lothian,) the name being taken
from the first of this familie's having killed a great boar that
ravaged the country round about, the foot of which boar is .still
kept here. The arms of this family are gules, a boar passant or ;
crest, a grifiin's head, erased, proper ; motto, Dominus ferit* It
is likely this family has come from the south ; for, there, under
King Alexander III., the Bairds possessed Mickle and Little
Kipp, and, under King Robert I., Baird of Carnwath was for-
feited for adhering to the Balliol. f

DuNDARG, ^ a ruinous castle on a rock on the brink of the
sea, one of the chief holds of the Cummins, Earls of Buchan,
about four hundred years ago ; after that, possessed by the Cheynes
of Essilmont ; and, lately, purchased by the Lord Pitsligo.

Aberdaur, formerly belonging to the Lord Pitsligo ; pur-
chased lately by Forbes of Knapperna, who has since sold this
last estate.

' [See Pitcairn's Ancient Criminal Trials, vol. ii., pp. 399, 400.]

* Nisbet's Heraldry.

f Dalrymple's Collections, pp. 397, 394.

2 [" Dundarg is situated on a high peninsulated rock. Vestiges of a large court of build-
ings may be traced on the top of the rock ; but the only part remaining anything entire, is
a strong arched gateway, which had guarded the entrance into the castle. Near the neck
which joins it to the main, there is a triple ditch, and ramparts of considerable extent ; but
whether these have been outworks, strengthening the fortress, or banks thrown up against it,
may not be easily determined." (Cordiner's Antiquities and Scenery of the North of Scotland,
pp.47, 48. Lend. 1776.) " About half a mile, English, east from the church, is the site and
remains of the ancient castle of Dundargue, upon a rock of red free stone, sixty-four feet
high from the beach immediately below, two hundred and sixty one feet in length, thirty-
eight feet mean breadth, making an area of nearly twenty-nine falls, surrounded by the

PRESBYTERY OF DEER—ABERDOUR. 445

[description of ABERDOUR. by MR. ALEXANDER HEPBURN. A.D. M.DCC.XXI. '

-I o the north is the parish of Aberdour, in which is the raannor of North Lesly.
On a rock in the sea, is the old ruin'd fort called Dundarg. Near to it stands the
parish kirk, a very old building, and within it, the burial place of the family of
Auchmedden. Two miles to the west, is the Place of Auchmedden, the residence
of William Baird of Auchmedden. There is, near to it, a sea town, with a little
harbour, and a convenient road for ships ; and likewise a very high rock on the
sea coast, called Pennan, where there is a miln-stone quarrie of good stone, which
serves much of the north countrej' with miln stones. To the southwards, is the
niannor of Byth. It is to be observed, that to the west of the parish of Tyrie, and
to the south of the parishes of Pitsligo and Aberdour, lyes a vast tract of ground,
in which there are few inhabitants, and it yeilds not much grain, in respect that

sea, when the tide flows, except a narrow neck of rock and earth, which joins the castle rock
to the land, the breadth twelve feet where it joins the land, but decreases gradually, till it
reach the entry of the castle, where it is only about four feet wide. Here the rock has
been cut, but in place of the draw-bridge, which, (it is probable,) has formerly given access
to the castle, the narrow rock is made up with earth, in order to enable the tenants' cattle
to get at the fine grass which grows on the rock. The only part of the castle now stand-
ing, is the entry. The whole breadth of the front is only twelve feet ; the door is four feet
two inches wide, six feet high, and is arched; the height of the walls, twelve feet seven
inches ; the length of the side-walls still standing is ten feet, six inches ; there are no other
remains of the castle walls, except the inside of the foundation, the outside having fallen
down, owing to the mouldering away of the rock on which it was built. There is a fine
level green, where the outworks have been, which has been secured on the land side, bv a
wall, (the foundation of which still remains,) of the same kind of stone with the castle rock,
cemented with lime, after the manner of what is commonly called run lime, as the remains
of the castle have also been, and which renders the walls so firm, that you may more easily
break the stone, than separate it from the lime : on the outside of this wall or rampart, is a
dry ditch two hundred and ninety-six feet long, and still thirty feet wide, and six feet deep :
running parallel to this, are two other ditches, of the same length with it ; the first of these
is twelve feet wide, and ten feet deep ; the mound, or the distance between it and the dry
ditch, or moat last mentioned, is forty feet. The breadth of the last and outer parallel, is
irregular, from five to eight feet, and its depth four feet ; the distance between it and the
former parallel, is twelve feet. It must have been a very strong place, and could have re-
ceived supplies of men and provisions by sea, as at full tide a small vessel could have lain to
at the very foot of the castle rock ; the garrison, however, might have been starved for
want of water, by cutting the pipes which conveyed the water to the castle from a spring
about two hundred paces distant, some remains of which pipes have been found of late years
by the tenants, in digging the ground between the castle and the spring." (Statistical Ac-
count of Scotland, vol. xii., pp. 578, 579. Edinb. 1794.)]
' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

446 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

the country is muirish, heath, and full of dens and marishes. It is good for
pastorage of sheep ; and there are several thousands continually upon it. It passes
under the name of The Muires of Pitsligo. About a mile to the west of Auch-
medden, there is a rivulet, over which is a stone bridge of ane arch, lately built, at
the expences of the lairds of Auchmedden, Troup, and the nighbouring gentry.

DESCRIPTION OF TUE PARISH OF ABERDOUR. BY AUCHMEDDEN.
A. D. M.DCC.XXIV.'

The parioch of Aberdour, being the very northermost parish in the shire of
Aberdeen, has the parish of Gamery, on the west ; King Edward and Montwhiter
parishes, on the south; and Pitsligo and Strichen, on the south-east and east; and
the Murray Firth, on the north.

The cliurch is one of the oldest in the north of Scotland, the parioch of Pitsligo
having been formerly a part of this parish, and stands hard by the sea side, upon
the east side of the burn of Aberdour, in the middle of the coastside part of the
parish. Near the sea bank, there is a fine spring below the church, called St.
Durstans Well, from a Bishop of that name, who lived thereabouts in the times of
popery ; and the well is still reckoned sacred by the countrej' people.

There is no gentlemans seat of any note here, save William Bairds of Auch-
medden. His house stands within half a mile of the sea, two miles west and by
north of the church.

Auchmedden has a pretty convenient little harbour here, fortified with two
peers. It is sometimes called St. Magnus Haven ; and the story goes that St.
Magnus landed here from Orkney upon the very day on which the battle of
Flodden ^ was fought, and left a blessing upon the harbour, that no ship or boat
belonging to it should perish by shipwreck ; and, what makes it a little more
noticeable, is, that, in the memory of man, no accident of that kind has happened

1 [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [In the time of Hector Boece, there was a tradition, that, on the clay on which the
battle of Bannockburn was fought and won, a horseman, in shining armour, suddenly
appeared in the streets of Aberdeen, and announced to the inhabitants the great victory
which the Scots had achieved. The warrior was seen, as he passed northwards, to spur
his steed across the waters of the Pentland Frith ; and the common belief was, that the
unearthly rider was no other than Saint Magnus. (Scot. Hist., lib. xiiii., f. 304.) In
Brand's time, there was preserved " in Our Lady's ku-k in South Ronalsha, a stone upon
the surface of which there is the print of two feet, concerning which the superstitious people
have a tradition that St. Magnus, when he could not get a boat on a time to carry him over
Pightland-Firth, took this stone, and setting his feet thereupon, passed the Firth safely,
and left the stone in this church, which hath continued here ever since." (Brand's
Description of Orkney, p. 60. Edinb. 1703. Svo.)]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— ABERDOUH. 447

there, although there has been frequently losses by sea, both of boats and men, on
the neighbouring coast.

There is likewise a milnstone quarry here, from which a good part of the south
firth is serv'd with milnstones, which are trans)3orted by sea in the summer time,
and the whole countrey about for forty miles round.

There is a good deal of natural wood about Auchmedden, more than in any
place of the neighbourhood so near the sea coast.

The burn of Glenquhitle runs into the sea at the miln of Auchmedden. Its
course is from south-east to nortli-west. There is a handsome stone bridge upon
it here, and a very good inn beside it. This burn is the march betwixt the shires
of Aberdeen and Bamff, and the parioches of Aberdour and Garaery.

A mile up from the sea, upon the burn side, there are some remains of an old
chapel, which formerly stood here, in a very retired place.

At the east end of the parish, and within a quarter of a mile of the church,
streight east from it, there is a small peninsula running into the sea, where are
still remaining some ruins of the Castle of Dundarg, formerly belonging to the
Cumings Earls of Buchan. It was once a very strong, well fortified place, and is
mentioned in Buchanan's History. '

There is perhaps the greatest quantity of moss in this parish, of any on the
coast side in Scotland ; and it appeai-s, by the trunks and roots of trees, that are
frequently found in the mosses, that they have been formerly full of wood.

The King's highway from Peterhead and Frasersburgh to Bamff, goes by the
church of Aberdour, and from that to the miln of Auchmedden, where you enter
into Bamffshire.

It is prettj' remarkable that there is an eagle's nest upon the high rocks, where
Auchmeddens milnstone quarry is. The pair who breed there, have continued in
that place, time out of mind, and send away their young ones every year, so that
there is never more stays but the old pair. ^

' [Buchanani Rer. Scot. Hist., hb. ix., capp. xvi., xxiv. See also J. Forduni Scoti-
chronicon, lib. xiii., capp. xxix., xxxvii. ; Wyntownis Cronykyl, b. viii., ehapp. xxviii.,
xxxi., xxxii. ; Scalacronica, p. 164.]

2 [" At one period, there was a pair of eagles that regularly nestled and brought forth
their young in the rocks of Pennan ; but, according to the tradition of the country, when
the late Earl of Aberdeen purchased the estate from the Bairds, the former proprietors, the
eagles disappeared, in fulfilment of a prophecy by Thomas the Rymer, ' that there should
be an eagle in the crags, while there was a Baird in Auchmedden.' But the most remark-
able circumstance, and what certainly appears incredible, is, that when Lord Haddo, eldest
son of the Earl of Aberdeen, married Miss Christian Baird of New Byth, the eagles re-
turned to the rocks, and remained until the estate passed into the hands of the Honourable
William Gordon, when they again fled, and have never since been seen in the country.

448 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Carta de Litil Drumquhendyl. ' (a.d. 1408.)

Omnibus banc cartam visuris vel audituris Alexander Fraser dominus de
Fyllorth salutem in Domino / Noueritis me [etc.} vendidisse [e/c] totam
terram meam de Litle Drumquhendill cum pertinenciis in baronia de
Aberdour / Patricio Reid domino de Collystoun / pro quadam summa
pecunie [etc.'j In cuius rei testimonium huic presenti carte mee sigillum
meum una cum sigillo reuerendi in Christo patris ac domini Domini Gil-
bert! Dei gracia Episcopi Aberdonensis est appensum / apud Aberdene
vicesimo septimo die mensis Junij anno Dominj millesimo quadringen-
tesinio Octauo •

Carta confirmacionis Jacobi de Douglas pro Patricio Reed. ' (a.d. 1408.)

Omnibus banc cartam visuris vel audituris Jacobus de Douglas dominus
de Abercorn et baronie de Aberdour in Bucbania / Salutem in Domino
sempiternam / Nouerit uniuersitas vestra nos [etc.} confirmasse pro nobis
et successoribus nostris dominis dicte baronie de Aberdour dilecto scutifero
nostro Patricio Reed Ramsay pro fideli seruicio suo nobis impenso et pro toto
tempore vite sue impendendo / omnes terras nostras de Litle Drumquhen-
dill cum pertinenciis in dicta baronia nostra de Aberdour infra vicecomi-
tatum de Aberdene / Quequidem terre cum pertinenciis fuerunt Domini
Alexandri Fraser railitis consanguinei nostri bereditarie et quas idem
Alexander [etc.'] spontanea voluntate sua [etc.'j resignauit [eic] In
cuius rei testimonium presenti carte nostre sigillum nostrum apponi feci-
mus • Apud Edinburgh vltimo die mensis Octobris anno Domini millesimo
quadringentesimo octauo • Testibus / reuerendis in Christo patribus ac
dominis Dominis Gilberto Aberdonensis Roberto Dunkeldensis et Waltero
Brechinensis ecclesiarum episcopis ■ magnifico et potenti domino Domino
Archibaklo comite de Douglas domino Galwidie fratre nostro carissimo /
Domino Willelmo de Borthwik domino de Ligeerwood / Willelmo de
Borthwik filio suo et herede consanguineis nostris / Willelmo de Fenton
domino ejusdem Domino Willelmo Lang rectore ecclesie de Turreve
Georgio de Laweder scutifero nostro cum multis aliis • ]

These facts, marvellous as they may appear, are attested by a cloud of living witnesses."
(The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxv., pp. 261, 262.)]
' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— TYRIE. 449

TYRIE.

Y R I E is dedicated to Saint Andrew, the
\\ Apostle.*

Tyrie, a great house, built fancifully after a Mamiors.
foreign model, but never quite finished, and now
>«_ ruinous. For these last hundred years, the estate
has been possessed by the Frasers of Tyrie, (the
first of whom was a son of Sir Alexander Fraser
of Philorth,) though just now purchased by Lesley of Iden, though
the house was built by one of the Frasers.

BoYNLiE, the seat of Forbes of Boynlie, the latest cadet of
Pitsligo.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARISH OF TmiE. A.D. M.DCC.XXni. '

J. his kirk is said to be of the oldest in this diocie, ^ being very short and high-
walled, like to a chappell.

• Boetius in descriptions Scotiae [ff. 8, 9 : " Id quod luce clarius anno a partu Virgineo
millesimo quadringentesimo nonagesimo plurimis spectantibus in Buthquhania visum est.
Nam quum in earn ad Pethslege castellum fluctibus huiuscemodi lignum quoddam ingens
delatum esset, rei nouitatem, qui primi conspexerant admirantibus, ad loci illius dominum
accurrentes rem nouam nunciant. Is adueniens trabem serra diuidi iubet, quo facto ingens
confestim apparet raultitudo partini vermium, aliis adhuc rudibus, aliis membra quaedam
formata habentibus, partim etiam iam formatarum perfecte auium : inter quas quaedam
plumas habebant, aliae implumes erant. Itaque rei miraculo stupentes iubente domino in
templum Diui Andreae Tyre (pago cuidam nomen est) lignum comportant, vbi et hodie
manet, vndique sicut a vermibus perforatum." H. Boece was himself, during the last
years of his life, rector of Tyrie. See Mr. Maitland's edition of Bellenden's Translation
of Boece, vol. i., introd., p. xxiii.]

• [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [" The kirk here was built before John Knox was born." (Description of Buchan, by
Mr. Alexander Hepburn, 17'21, in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.) " This
church was formerly well known by the name of • The White Kirk of Buchan.' The
oldest date legible upon any of the antient pews is 1596. The old walls are built with
run-lime, which, by reason of its age, is now liker ashes than lime." (Statistical Ac-
count of Scotland, vol. vi., p. 142. Edinb. 1793.) David Macpherson has commemo-
rated " Quhitkirk, in Buchan, a noted pilgrimage." (Geographical Illustrations of
Scotish History. Lend. 1796. 4to.) And Drummond of Hawthornden writes, that the

450 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

The gentlemans houses in this parish are, Tyrie, about half a mile east from
the church, being an avenue the whole way. Its a large edifice, of forty foot
square, and a large round on every corner, with a pavilion roof ; the upper story
of three, being one roume, of forty foot square, having four large chimneys and
eight windows, and so many in each of the lower stories, with a coat of armes,
weel cutt, for the lintels, as the branshes of the family.

This house, not being finished in the rounds, throw the death of James Eraser
of Tyrie, the founder, in anno m.dc.xc, is like to turne ruinous, throw disorder of
his sons affairs, now abroad. It has large orchards, and of barren plant-
ing ; and, at foot of the parks, below the house, eastward, is a pretty cannal or
water draught, of twelve foot broad, near a mile in length, running eastward, and
falling in, below Philorth and Cairnbulg, into the sea.

The other remarkable house in this parish is that of Boynlie, built in anno
M.DC.LX., by Boynlie, the late tutor of Pitsligo, in the year m.dc.lx., but much
augmented and beautified by Captain Forbes of Boynlie, his son, by the addition of
two jambs, and a fore parlour or vestibule 'twixt them, and a balcony above,
making the house double. It is situat in the center of a rock, in the midle of a
glen, which affords terraces on each side, .... in the midle of the entrie, and of a
pair of stairs, ascending by twelve steps to the house from a handsome avenue
and square, from the utter gate. The east side or back of the house is a story
higher, by the cellars being cut out of the rock ; and below are three handsome

Queen Dowager of King James I., " to countenance her plot, giveth out a pilgrimage
intended by her to The White Kirk in Buclian."' (History of Scotland, pp. 55, 56.
Lond. 1681. 8vo.) See also Gordon's History of the Gordons, vol. i., p. 52; G.
Buchan. Rer. Scot. Hist., lib. xi., cap. iv. But this shrine could scarcely have been in
the parish church of Tyrie, which we know was dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle,
while the Queen's pilgrimage, we are told, was to a chapel of the Blessed Virgin : " ad
Diuae Virginis aedem (Album Sacellum vocant nostrates)." (H. Boet. Scot. Hist., lib.
xviii., f. 357, b.)

" In recently digging up the foundation of the old church, there was found deposited in
the north-eastern corner, as the foundation stone, a rough unhewn shapeless mass of blue
clayish-mica stone, with a hieroglyphic or other figure, which has puzzled the conjectures

of the most learned of our antiquarians A few years ago, there was standing, in

the immediate vicinity of the church, a sort of circular mound, called ' The Moat.' ....
Barrows or tumuli we possess, as well as other minor indications of battles and frays

fought in our neighbourhood Almost in the entrance of the defiles of Auchmed-

den, stands ' The Law Cairn.' " (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number
xxxix., pp. 722, 723. Edinb. 1842.) " There are many tumuli in this parish and
neighbourhood. Some have been o])ened, and found to contain coffins of gray fiag-stones,
set on their edges, sides, and ends, and covered above with the same sort of stones. In
these coffins were human bones." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. vi., p, 142.)]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— RATHEN.

451

terraces, and ane opposite bank, wbere as many are designed. There runs a
handsome brook northwards, thorow a large low orchard, which has its rise from
two springs, half a mile or more above the house ; the one whereof, within a
large inclosure of a den, called Cairnmurnin, remarkable for sending out such a
great quantity of fyne water frorc the fountain head, fronting eastward, that it
cheifly supplies a corn milne, lately built near the hous and foot of the said
inclosure. This is the head of the water which passes northward to the church
and hous of Tyrie, falling into the forsaid canale. From this hous, invironed
with fine gardens, well planted, and walled with rounds on every corner, half
rounds on each side of fore and back entries, on the east and west, with a
summar hous and ducat on the south and north, and standing in the low parlour,
has a small visee to each airth, there are some remarkable echos, which will
repeat severall words distinctly.

In this parish are great tracts of mosses and moors above Boynlie, where is a
loch to the south west, called Loch of Carnieriking, belonging to the Lords
Pitsligo, wherein wild goose and ducks much frequent in the autumn and
winter.

The foresaid brook, passing through Boynlie's gardens, or orchards, is weel
stored with trouts throughout.]

RATPIIN.

ATHEN church is dedicated to Saint Ethernan,
Bishop iu Aberdeen diocese, ' whose feast was
kept on the second day of December.

AucHiRiES, lately purchased by Mr. Ogilvie, a Mannors.
cadet of those of Finlater, who formerly pos-
sessed Hallyards, in Fordyce parish.

Memsie, the seat of Eraser of Memsie, one
of the immediate cadets of Philorth, and of three hundred years
standing. Here are three great heaps of stones, called The Cairns
of Memsie, said to be monuments of a battle fought with the
Danes here, under King Malcolm II.

' [Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, fol. vii. : " Deinde ec-
clesiam de Rathine in Buchanie confinibus oninipotenti Deo consecrauit que vsque hodie in
honore ipsius in presens dedicata est • Tandem correptus egritudine quarto nonas Decem-
bris conualuit ad superos • "]

452 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[description of RATHEN. by MR. ALEXANDER HEPBURN.
A.D. M.DCC.XXI.'

Tlie nixt parish is that of Rathen, in which are the castles of Inveralochie and
Carnbulg, the dwelling-houses of the respective owners, Charles Frazer of In-
veralochie, and Colonel Buchan of Carnbulg. Three miles to the west, is the
parish kirk, an old building ; and a mile farther, is the mannor of Auchires, the
residence of James Oglvie of Achires. On the south borders of this parish,
lyes the hiU of Mormonth, the only considerable mountain in Buchan.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARISH OF RATHEN. BY AUCHERIES. A.D. M.DCC.XXIII.'

The church and manse are seated in the small village of Rathen, near the center
of the parish.

The house of Inverallochy ^ is north-east from the church two miles and a half,
and from the sea about half a mile westwards. Betwixt Inverallochy and Carn-
builg, are two little villages and havens for fish boats.

The house of Carnbuilg^ is north-east from the church two large miles, and
from Inverallochy, one and a half mile, north-west. It stands upon the side of the
water of Philorth, a small river that rises out of The Moors of Pitsligo; and, running
near the houses of Tyrie and Merasie, it passes by the church of Rathen, one-
eighth part of a mile north from the church ; then runs closs by the house of Carn-
bulg, and enters the sea half a mile north-east from it. There are two bridges
of wood on this water : one is a quarter of a mile west from the church, on the
road to Old Deer ; the other is 'twixt Carnbuilg and the sea, on the road from
Frazerburgh to Peterhead. This water divides a part of the parish of Rathen
from that of Fraserburgh, viz., from the sea till you come within a quarter of a
mile of the church.

North-east from Carnbuilg about a mile, and from the water mouth of Philorth
one quarter of a mile north-east, lie these rocks called Carnburgheads, which
extend themselves a large quarter of a mile into the sea, and are very dangerous
for siiips.

The house of Aucheries is south-west from the church a large mile ; from Carn-
builg about three miles. It stands near the south side of the burn Carnculter,

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [" There are two old castles in the parish, both in ruins, Cairnbuilg and Invcrallochie,
which seem to be places of considerable strength, especially Cairnbuilg, the walls of which
are almost entire, and of prodigious thickness." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. vi.,
p. 19. Edinb. 1793.)]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— RATHEN. 453

which runs into the water of Philorth, half a mile east from Aucheries, where is a
lime quarry.

The house of Memsj' is west from the church a mile and a half ; from Aucheries,
half a mile north-west, near the south side of the water of Philorth. North from
Memsie, is a large muir, named The Carnrauir, from three very great earns ' of
stones, half a mile north-east from Memsie. They are about a hundred yards
distant from one another : each is near a hundred yards of circumference at the
basis, and about forty foot perpendicular hight. There are many little earns in
this muir, which seem to be the burial places of common souldiers slain there, as
the great earns appear to be monuments raisit upon the chiefs that have there
fallen.

There is no probable tradition about these cams, nor history that I know
of, that mentions them ; but I shall tell you my conjecture and the reason for it.
Some years ago I read, either in Hector Boethius or Dr. Abercromby's Scots
Worthy's, I have forgot which, that the Danes landing upon the Buchan coast,
and being by the Scots defeat at Cruden, the remains of their army, instead of
taking ship again, endeavour'd to join a colony of their countreymen who were
then settled in Murray. Now, it is probable, their march would be this way, be-
cause in their distress they would not adventure to go far from the coast, where
they might expect some relief from their ships ; nor is it likely that the Scots would
allow them to get up farther into the country ; and, by the by, there is a rocky
place upon the hill of Moremount, called The Kings Seat, and below it a place
called King's Field, in Irish, Achirie, which seems to favour the conjecture. Nor

1 [" There are few remains of antiquity in this parish. The most remarkable are three
old cairns, which were very large, till of late, that great quantities of the stones have been
taken away from two of them. They stand near one another upon an extensive plain."
(Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. vi., p. 19. Edinb. 1793.)]

"The few antiquities in this parish are : 1. A Druid temple on the estate of Cortes,
from which that property is said to derive its name, Cortes meaning a circle in the Gaelic
language. 2. The three cairns of Memsy, described in the former Statistical Account,
one of which only now remains ; it is composed of small round stones, is about sixt}' feet in
circumference at the base, and about fifteen or sixteen feet high. In the foundation of one
of the former cairns, there was discovered an urn of peculiar shape, containing calcined
bones. There were also found several human skulls, and a short sword with an iron handle.
The foundation of one of these cairns exhibits a large mass of vitrified matter, resembling
what is found in vitrified forts. On a rising ground east of the church, there have been
found at various times urns of different sizes, containing calcined bones. In one of these a

large boar's tusk was discovered about twelve years ago On the boundary of this

parish with that of Lonmay, there is a well called ' The Rood Well ' ; but regarding it
there is no particular tradition." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number
xxviii., pp. 293, 294. Edinb. 1840,)]

454 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

is it probable that the Scots would suffer their shattered army to march undisturbed
from Cruden to Murray : therefore I think there has been another engagement in
The Carnmuir, while the Danes were endeavouring to make good their retreat or
march to Murray ; and if the slaughter of the Danes at Gamery hath happen'd
about the same time, it still favours the conjecture the more. But having none of
these Historys at the time, nor knowing precisely when the battels at Cruden and
Gamery did happen, I can affirm nothing for certain.

There are three or four more great earns north-west and west from these three
I have mentioned ; which seem to be all the same kind of monuments. But I shall
take no more notice of them, since they'r not in this parish.

The hill of Mormount is south-west from Rathen, and north-east from Streechen
parish ; and the two parishes meet about the middle of that hill, which is the only
hill in Buchan which deserves that name. It is six or seven miles of circumfer-
ence ; and though not very high nor comparable to the Highland mountains, yet, in
this plain country, is observed by seamen many leagues off at sea.

About half a mile south-west from the church, upon the side of a little brook,
is a little round hill, called Saint Owens Hill, ' and near it a well called Saint
Owen's Well : the hill appears as if made artificially, and the country people fre-
quent the well for their health. South-east from the church, three quarters of a
mile, is a circle about twelve yeards diameter, surrounded with large stones, with
two very large stons set up at the south point of the circle, one of them about
two yeards high ; which perhaps has been a place of worship among the Druids in
time of paganism. There are many such monuments in Buchan.

There are no woods in this parish, but several mosses, with great numbers of
roots of big oaks, and sometimes great trees, deep under ground ; which makes it
plain that this naked country has been full of wood.

Rathen seems to be so called from Saint Ethernen, ^ who lived for some time
in this parish, and preached to the people. A short account of his life, extracted
out of a Scots Breviary, ^ I herewith send. He seems to have lived a heremitical

' [" There are two mounds, or hillocks, of earth, near the church, and not a mile asunder,
that seem to have been formed by the hands of men. They are nearly circular, and slope
towards the top, forming there an horizontal plain, somewhat circular also, of about thirty
yards diameter. Both are pretty steep all round ; except that access to the top is tolerably
easy on one quarter of each, by means of the rising ground adjoining. The one is called
< Trefor Hill," and the other ' St. Oynes.' " (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. vi.,
p. 20.)]

2 [" According to a current tradition, Rathen is derived from Ethernan, the name of an
old saint, who is said to have resided in the parish." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol.
vi., p. 15.)]

3 [See above, pp. 133—133.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— RATHEN. 456

life : there is a large solitary den upon tlie east side of Mormount called Saint
Ethernens Slack or Den.

Confirmacio carte Jurdani Cumyn • ' (a.d. 1277 et a.d. 1475.)

Jacobus Dei gracia Rex Scotorum • Omnibus \_etc.'] Sciatis nos quandam
cartam quondam Alexandri Cumyn quondam Comitis Buchanie factam
et concessam quondam Jurdano Cumyn et heredibus suis de tota terra de
Inuerracby per diuisas perambulatas cum lacu et piscariis et de le Fortre
de Inruri ad dictam terram pertinentibus • ac cum aque ductu dicti lacus
ad molendinum suum / de mandato nostro visam lectam inspectam et di-
ligenter examinatam [efc] intellexisse sub bac forma • Omnibus has
literas visuris vel audituris • Alexander Cumyn Comes de Bouchan •
salutem in Domino • Noueritis nos dedisse • concessisse • et bac carta
nostra confirmasse • Jurdano Cumyn • pro homagio et seruicio suo •
totam terram de Inuyrachy / per omnes lllas diuisas per quas perambulata
fuit coram nobis et domino Thoma de Rossy milite nostro ■ Thoma le
Gray ■ Mauricio rectore ecclesie de Lumplin et pluribus aliis curie nostre
et fidedignis patrie / die Sancte Margarete virginis ■ anno Domini mil-
lesimo ducentesimo septuagesimo septimo ■ ascendendo in le Moneruy
vsque monticulam de Bruxi cum aliis justis pertinenciis et diuisis • cum
lacu et piscariis • et le Fortre de Inrure • ad dictam terram pertinenti-
bus • Tenendam [eic] de nobis et beredibus nostris sibi et beredibus
suis [e<e.] in feodo et hereditate \_etc.'] Reddendo [e^c] vnum par albarum
cirotecarum ad festum Pentecosten • nomine albe firme [e<c.] Hiis testi-
bus ■ Alano filio Huting tunc senescallo nostro de Bucban • Johanne de
Gardrob • Thoma Gray • Willelmo Rosse • Cristino clerico • domino
Dauid de Aberden vicario de Ellon • Johanne capellano nostro et multis
aliis • QuAMQUiDEM cartam [efc] pro perpetuo confirmamus / Saluis nobis
[etc.J wardis releuiis maritagiis juribus et seruiciis de dictis terris ante
presentem confirmacionem nobis debitis et consuetis • In cujus rei testimo-
nium presenti carte nostre confirmacionis magnum sigillum nostrum apponi
precepimus • Testibus [e<c.] Apud Edinburgh duodecimo die mensis Aprilis
anno Domini m° cccc" Ixxv • et regni nostri decimo quinto ■

' [From the Registrum Magni Sigilli, MS. General Register House, Edinburgh.]

456 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Carta terrarum de Enueralloquhy facta Willelmo Cumying •' (a.d. 1483.)

Omnibus [efc] Willelmus Cuminge de Cultir ac dominus terrarum de
Innuerelloghy cum pertinenciis Eternam in Domino salutem Noueritis
me tiliali dilectione et aiFectione matura auisatione prehabita vtilitate mea et
plurium amicorumque meorum in hac parte vndique preuisa et diligenter
considerata dedisse [efc] carissimo filio meo Willelmo Cumyng clauigero
Suppremi Domini nostri Regis domum ac omnes et singulas terras meas de
Innuerelloghy cum lacu dictam domum circumeuntem et piscariis eiusdem
ac le Fortre de Innuervry cum pertinenciis jacentes in baronia de Kyned-
uarde infra vicecomitatum de Abirdene pro suis fidelibus seruiciis humagiis
gratitudinibus et expensis michi multipliciter factis sustentis et impensis
Et notanter pro recuperatione domus et terrarum mearum de Innuerel-
loghy antedictarum a me per Alexandrum Cuminge et Jacobum Cuming
filios meos et eorum complices vi spoliatarum et detentarum et per dictum
Willelmum Cumyng filium meum carissimum libere in manus meas deli-
beratarum et redditarum Tenendas et habendas dictam domum et terras
meas vniuersas de Innuerelloghy cum pertinentiis vna cum lacu et piscariis
eiusdem et le Fortre de Inuervry ac cum aque ductu predicti lacus ad
molendinum eiusdem cum pertinentiis predicto Willelmo Cuming [etc.^
a me heredibus meis [e<c.] de magnifico et potente domino Johanne
Domino Insularum ac domino baronie de Kyneduarde domino superiore

' [From the original in the charter room at Castle Fraser.

On the twenty-eightli of February, 1493, there was an " actione and causs persewit be
WilUam Cumyn of Inuerallochquhy and his tcnentis aganis William Kethe of Hythe and
Thomas Cumyn for the waisting of the Place of Inuerallochquhy and certane vtheris
poyntis." (Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 297.) On the eleventh of July, 1494, there was
an " actione and causs persewit be William Cumyn of Inuerallochquhy now Merchmond
Herald aganis Thomas Cumyn for the waisting of his landis of Inuerallochquhy and diuersis
vtheris causis." (Id., p. 375.) On the nineteenth of January, 1493, " in presentia domi-
norum [concilii comparebat] Willelmus Cumyn de Inuerellochquhy prolocutor Willelmi
Comitis de Erole et protestatus erat solempniter de actione iniuriarum contra Alexandrum
Dominum Gordoune ex eo quod dictus Alexander dixit in presentia dominorum prefato Co-
miti sic in wlgarj / I merwell that ye think nocht schame before the lordis to be mensworne /
quasquidem iniurias idem Comes revocauit ad animum et dixit quod noluit se casdem sus-
tinuisse pro xx" libris. " (Id., p. 262.) See also pp. 92, 107, 133, 160, 163, 165, 239,
263, 266, 291 ; and Acta Dominorum Auditorum, pp. 125, 174, 179.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— RATHEN. 457

earundem et heredibus suis in feodo et hereditate [etc.^ i Reseruata tamen
tertia parte earundem terrarum cum pertinentiis Cristine Setone sponse
mee cum contigerit / Reddendo [e^c] prefato Domino Insularum [etc.']
firmam et seruicia debita et consueta [etc.] i In cuius rei testimonium huic
presenti carte mee sigillum meum est appensum Apud Abirdene decimo
die mensis Aprilis anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo octuagesimo
tertio coram nobili et potente domino Willelmo Comite de Eroll Domino
le Hay et Constabilario Scocie Magistro Gilberto Hay de Vry Roberto
Blyndsell preposito burgi de Abirdene Johanne Colisoun Alexandre
Chamir juuiore Thoma Fyf Thoma Prat Patricio Badenaghe et Andrea
Branche burgensibus de Abirdene et Domino Johanne Stirueling notario
publico cum diuersis aliis.

Carta confirmacionis Johannis de Da Domini Insularum facta Wilhelmo
Cumyng de terris de Enneraloquhy •' (a.d. 1486.)

Omnibus [etc.] Johannes de Ila Dominus Insularum ac bare baronie de
Kynedward salutem in Domino sempiternam Sciatis nos inspexisse quan-
dam cartam quondam Willelmi Cummyng de Cultir ac dominum terrarum
de Innuerelloghy factam et concessam dilecto nostro Willelmo Cummyng
clauigero Supremi Domini uostri Regis filio dicti quondam Willelmi de
domo ac de omnibus et singulis terris suis de Innuerelloghy cum lacu
dictam domum circumeunte et piscariis eiusdem ac le Fortre de Innuervry
cum pertinenciis jacentibus in baronia nostra de Kynedward infra vicecomi-
tatum de Abirdene per nos et de nostro mandato visam lectam inspectam et
diligenter examinatam [etc.] sub hac forma Omnibus [etc. iit supra, pp.
456, 457.] QuAM quidem cartam [etc.] pro perpetuo confirmamus Saluis
et reseruatis nobis et heredibus nostris firmis et seruiciis de dictis domo
terris lacu et piscariis cum pertinenciis ante presentem nostram confirma-
cionem debitis et consuetis Insuper approbamus [etc.] illas donacionem
et concessionem quas fecit dictus quondam Willelmus Cuming de Cultir
dilecto nostro Thome Cuming filio suo de dimidietate terrarum de Kin-
drocht et de dimidietate terrarum de Avdyale cum pertinenciis suis
jacentibus in dictis baronia de Kynedward et vicecomitatu de Abirdene
Tenendas et habendas dictas dimidietates terrarum de Kindrocht et
Avdyale cum pertinenciis suis prefato Thome Cuming et heredibus suis

' [From the original in the charter room at Castle Fraser.]

458 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

de nobis et heredibus nostris in feodo et hereditate imperpetuum secundum
formam et tenorem cartarum et euidenciarum dicti quondam Willelmi pre-
fato Thome hereditaria desuper confectarum Reseruatis nobis et heredibus
nostris firmis et seruiciis de dictis dimidietatibus terrarum cum pertinenciis
ante presentem confirmacionem nobis debitis et consuetis In cuius rei tes-
timonium presenti carte nostre confirmacionis sigillum nostrum est appen-
sum apud locum nostrum de Ila decimo die mensis Julij anno Domini
millesimo quadringentesimo octuagesimo sexto Coram hiis testibus dUecto
consanguineo nostro Johanne de Insulis milite nostro dilectis nostris
Lawchlan Makgillane Magistro Thoma Flemyng Makvirre Donaldo
Mackessie et Makane de Armourchane cum multis aliis •

Carta Willelmi Cummyn als Merchmond Heraldi super maritagio suorum
heredum •' (a.d. 1507.)

Jacobus etc ■ Quia pro bono gratuitoque seruicio per dilectum nostrum
familiarem militem Willelmum Cummyn de Inuerallochy als Merchmond
Herald quondam nostris nobilissimis patri et matri / quorum animabus
propitietur Deus / impenso et per ipsum nobis indies continuato • dedimus
[efc] pro nobis heredibus et successoribus nostris prefato Willelmo / ad sue
sponse et prolum suarum supportacionem / nostras plenam et liberam potes-
tatem consensum et licenciam super maritagiis suorum heredum masculorum
et femellarum libere disponendi prout sibi melius videbitur expediens
et opportunum / cum omnibus libertatibus commoditatibus et proficuis que
inde pertinere poterint ad dicti nostri familiaris militis commodum et
utilitatem capiendum et disponendum [etcJ] Necnon nos pro nobis here-
dibus et successoribus nostris / pro causis superius expressatis / nunc
prout extunc / cum dictis heredibus masculis et femellis de eorum minori
etate dispensamus et eosdem specialiter priuilegiamus et licenciamus ad
intrandum / seu introitum recuperandum / ad hujusmodi terras de Inuer-
allochy cum turre et castro earundem • et ad terras de KUdrucht et Audiale •
cum omnibus suis pertinenciis / jacentes infra vicecomitatum nostrum de
Aberdein / adeo libere in omnibus et per omnia ac si hujusmodi terre de
nobis in alba firma tenebantur donee et quousque de dictis heredibus linealis
successio descendat et non ultra / non obstante quod dictus noster familiaris
eorum pater easdem terras de nobis tenet per seruicium warde et releuij •

' [From the Earl of Haddington's Collection of Charters, vol. i., p. 401, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF DEER— RATHEN. 459

Dedimus insuper [etc.'] dictis heredibus masculis seu femellis wardara
nonintroitum et releuium que nobis et successoribus nostris pertinere
aut debere contigerit de prefatis terris turre et castro cum omnibus suis
pertinenciis pro toto tempore quo ipse terre in manibus nostris aut in
manibus heredum aut successorum extiterint racione warde nonintroitus
aut releuij / cum omnibus et singulis libertatibus commoditatibus et
asiamentis ac iustis suis pertinenciis quibuscunque / tam nominatis quam
non nominatis tam subtus terra quam supra terram / procul et prope /
ad easdem spectantibus seu juste spectare valentibus quomodolibet in
futurum / cum potestate plenaria cum eisdem terris cum pertinenciis intro-
mittere et desuper disponere prout eis melius videbitur expediens ad
eorundem commodum et utilitatem libere • quiete • plenarie • integre etc ■
sine impedimento etc ■ Quare omnibus nostris officiariis ligeis et subditis
quorum interest aut interesse poterit stricte precipimus et mandamus nee
ipsi aut eorum aliquls contra has literas nostras / aut tenorem earundem /
in aliquo deuenire presumat aut presuraant • Precipimus igitur vicecomiti
nostro de Aberdene / et deputatis suis pro tempore existentibus / quod ipsi
breuia capelle nostre per dictos heredes impetranda recipiant aperiant
proclament et debite perseruire faciant / et in omnibus suis punctis retornari
faciant / ac ipsos heredes per banc nostram dispensacionem legitime citatos
existere volumus sine impedimento aut dilatione eis inde fiendis sub
omni pena quam erga nostram Regiam incurrere poterit maiestatem • In
cujus rei testimonium presenti carte nostre magnum sigillum nostrum
apponi precepimus • Testibus [eic] Apud Edinburgh decimo quarto die
mensis Aprilis / anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo septimo / Et regni
nostri decimo nono •

460

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

IN THE PRESBYTERY OF TURRIFF.

TURRIFF.

JV URRIFF, dedicated to Saint Cowan,* (or Saint
Congan, ' ) Abbot, stands, on a height, above a
little river called also Turriff ; which here has a
bridge of one arch, and, rising out of Auchry in

Monwheeter, joins Dovem at It has

__ two silver chalices. '^

Hospital. \^^^^^^S/ Here was a Hospital for twelve poor men,
founded A.D. m.cc.lxxii., by Alexander Earl of Buchan, Justi-

* See the foundation charter of the Hospital in the Cliartulary therof, in the hands of
the Countess of Errol, who is patroness of this church. Besides the tradition, this may be
collected from the Registrum Chartarum, where, in a.d. 1357, William Hay, parson here,
in honour of the Trinity, Virgin Mary, and Saint Cowan, founds a rent to the chaplains
of the cathedral, for praying for his soul, etc. ; and these of George, then Earl of Errol,
and patron of this church ; and of William Earl of Errol ; and Thomas Hay of Logy, his
brother, slain at Floddon ; and all the rest of that name who were there slain.

' [" From St. Congan, supposed to be the tutelary saint of the place, one of the annual
fairs held here is called ' Cowan fair.' " (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xvii., p.
396. Edinb. 1796 ; The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xlii., p. 988.
Edinb. 1843.)]

2 [" The old chm-ch measured in length one hundred and twenty feet, by eighteen in
breadth. The east end of it bears some marks of antiquity, and was formerly divided from

the rest of the building by a row of ballisters Near the churchyard gate, and on the

south side of the street, betwixt it and The Cross, part of the vaults of an ancient tower
is to be seen, from which, or some building of that kind, the west end of the town is still
called ' The Castlehill.' .... A spot of ground, on the south side of the town, is called
' Temple brae,' and the proprietors of a house, called * Temple feu,' held their charters
from the Lords Torphichen." (The Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xvii., pp. 395,
398.) " There still exist the gateway and vaults of an old and now almost ruinous build-
ing, known by the name of ' Castle Rainy.' .... There now remain of the ancient
church, only the eastern part of the building, called the ' quire,' and the belfry, which is
rather a handsome piece of architecture, and contains a fine-toned bell, bearing the date

1557 On the haugh of Laithers, opposite the The Boat of Magie, were lately to

be seen the remains of a chapel, which is said to have been dedicated to St. Carnac

There are some wells which are called ' Saints Wells,' as one at Slap, known by the name
of St. John's Well. There is also a well on the estate of Gask, which had been notable, and

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— TURREFF. 461

tiaiy of Scotland, who founded tbat of Newburgh, in Foveran.
The lands belonging to this Hospital of Turriff, were made over to
the family of Errol, about the end of the sixteenth age, by

Mr Hay, parson of Turriff.

Delgatie, ' a castle belonging to the Earl of Errol, one of Mimnors.
whose seats it was, and purchased of late by Mr. Alexander

the virtues of which could not be secured but by a pecuniary oftering to its patron ; and
hence the name of the farm where it exists, ' Silverwells." In the brae of Laithers, and
in the neighbourhood of a chapel, the foundation of which was some years ago removed by
the plough, there was a well, which was annually resorted to, on a particular day, by
crowds from all quarters." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, pp. 981, 983,
992, 993.)

" Thomas Augustinds, Turraviensis scholae insignis doctor, inter eminentissimos sui
seculi homines jure numerandus, quadraginta paene annis incredibili labore juventutem sibi
commissam erudivit. Graece, Latine, et Hebraice doctissimus, antiquarius incomparabilis,
scripsit ' Quorundam Auctorum Versiones e Graeco in Latinum lib. i. ; Poemata Graeca
lib. I. ; Orationes Graece Latineque lib. i. ; Observationes in Septuaginta lib. i. ; Prae-
ludia Rhetorica lib. i.' Obiit in laborioso exercitio anno m.dxc.ii." (T. Dempsteri His-
toria Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., p. 35.)

" Thomas Adcdstinps Turraviensis, superioris filius, nee patre tanto indignus, amoe-
nissimo ingenio adolescens, quarumlibet bonarum artium capax, patriam pietatis discendae
studio reliquit, in hoc patri quam simillimus, qui nullis unquam muneribus aut terrore
adduci potuit, ut a rcligione Catholica tantillum discederet. Igitur Thomas societatem
Jesu Romae ingressus, multa probae indolis indicia praematura et acerba morte raptus
reliquit. Scripsit multa, ut in ilia aetate : in his ' Epigrammata sacra lib. i. ; Elegias
sacras lib. i. ;' quibus ornabatur nobilitatis illud ac pietatis Lyceum, seminarium Roma-
num; ' Deplorationem Scotiae lib. i.' Obiit in tentamento seu novitiatu, ut vocant, ejus-
dem societatis, anno bi.d.xcix. nee sine pietatis opinione." (Id., t. i., pp. 55, 56.)

" Andreas Ogstonus Turraviensis, praeceptor in elementis grammaticis meus, vir
ingenio mediocri, nee indoctus, scripsit ' Poemata varia lib. i.' vario carminum genere,
sed eminet ' Epicedium Forbassi Toparchae, ac familiae illius Principis lib. i.' elegiaco
versa non inculto, ante annos xxx. publicatum. Vivit adhuc in Orcadibus." (Id., t. ii.,
p. 514*.) Vide etiam, p. 673 ; " tum Turraviae sub ferula plagosi Andreae Ogstoni
tirocinium primum exercuit."]

' [" Joannes Hai0s, ex familia Dalgattia nobilissima, Societatis Jesu socius, magnani
in omni literaturae genere ingenii laudem consecutus, edidit multa ; ego vidi tantum
' Theologica quaedam (apud Ribadineiram Catalog. Soc. Jesu pag. cxxi.) lib. i. ; ' Librum
P. Diechi de Torres de Rebus Peruanis ' Latinum fecit lib. i. ; ' Literas de Japonensis
Imperii mirabili Mutatione,' Latinitatis donavit lib. i. ; ' Disputationes in Theologia (Bi-
bliothec. Classic, auctor. pag. ccc.xxxva.) lib. i. ; In Bibliothecam Sixti Senensis Obser-
vationes, lib. I.' Bibliothecae Classicae pag. ccc.iv. Obiit anno m.d.xcvui." (T.

3 N

462 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Falconer, (brother to the present David Falconer, late of Newton,
now Lord Haulkerton,) who has married the heiress of that
great house.

TowiE, a castle belonging to the Barclays of Towie, (who pre-
tended in the last age to be chiefs,) ' the heiress of whom liaving

Dempsteri Hist. Ecclesiast. Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., pp. 361, 362.) See also Maklmenfs
Catalogues of Scotish Writers, pp. 7, 88 ; Dr. Irving's Memoirs of G. Buchanan, p. 197,
edit. Edinb. 1817. 8vo. The following is a more accurate copy of the title page of one
of the works referred to by Dempster ; De Rebvs laponicis, Indicis, et Pervanis Epistolae
Recentiores. A Joanne Hayo Dalgattiensi Scoto Societatls lesv in librum vnum coacer-
uatae. Antverpiae, 1605. 8vo. pp. 968. Hay is the author of the following tract :
Certaine Demandes concerning the Christian religion and discipline, proponed to the
Ministers of the new pretended kirk of Scotland be lohne Hay ane Clerk of the Societie
of lesvs. Imprinted at Paris by Thomas Brumen, in clauso Brunello, at the signe of
the Olive trie. Anno cio lo lxxx. 8vo. pp. 104.]

' [On one of the pages of the Royal manuscript of Wyntownis Cronikyl, in the Bri-
tish Museum, written between a.d. 1420, and a.d. 1430, is the following inscription :
" This bulk dois perteine The thrid be resone quhy

To ane rycht honorabill man That hous marit properly

Georg Barclay of Auchrody Ane dochter of Gartly

And mony wther propirly With gryt honour and dignity

Brother german is he Quhilk than wes Barclay

To Schyr Patrik of Tollie And was ane knycht rycht worthy

Cheif of Barclays in Scotland The mariage of that lady

And mony guid deid lies had in hand Indeuit uith guid qualitie

Movit her husband Toly than

Schyr Patrik Barclay of Tollie Into his armis to d . . . .

Cheif of that name I iestifie Quhair corsis twa befoir hand

As in his scheild ye may sie For he wes

Tua corsis weiris he the thrid to here."

(Wyntown, vol. i., pref., p xxxi.)
In a roll of missing charters by King Robert I., is " Carta to Walter Barclay of
Kerko, knight, of the lands of Tollie." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 17.) On
the seventh of July, 1480, " the lordis of counsale decretis and deliueris that Johne Ber-
clay of Tolly brothir and are of vmquhile James Berclay burges of Perthe sail content
and pay to Dauid Chaumir of Strathy sone and are of vmquhile Johne of Chaumir the
soume of • xxviij • lib." (Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 73.) See also, p. 266 ; Regis-
trum Moraviense, pp. 246, 248 ; Nisbet's Heraldry, vol. ii., part iv., p. 32 ; The Mis-
cellany of The Spalding Club, vol. i., p. 259, pref. pp. 73 — 73 ; Dr. Irving's Lives of
Scotish Writers, vol. i., pp. 230—233 ; The Book of Bon-Accord, pp. 308, 309. The Rus-
siangeneral Prince Barclay-de- Tolly, (born in Livonia, of obscure parents, a.d. 175.5; died

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— TURREFF. 463

married Innes of Cockston, in Murray, the estate is

now possessed by her son. '

Udach, formerly possessed by the Simsons of Udach, now by
the Countess of Errol.

MuRESK, a castle, possessed, till about a hundred years ago, by
the Dempsters, (a son of which family was the famous Thomas

Dempster-); after that, by the , and Thors ; and now,

of late, by the Brodies of Muresk.

on the twenty-fifth of May, 1818,) is behaved to have been descended from the ancient
house of Barclay of Tolly, or Tovrie.]

' [" The estate of Towie, which had remained in the possession of the Barclays
for four hundred years and upwards, was sold by them, in 1752, to the late Earl of
Findlater, for ten thousand pounds, whose son sold it to the managers of Gordon's Hos-
pital and the Infirmary at Aberdeen, in 1792, for twenty-one thousand pounds sterling."
(Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xvii., p. 402.)]

^ [" Thomas Dempsterds, hujus opcris auctor, natus est rure paterno Cliftbog, avo
Joanne superstite, partu tergemino vigesimus quartus e liberis viginti novem quos ex
una uxore pater sustulit, anno m.d.lxxix. ipso pervigilio D. Bartholomaei ; quo die ve-
luti fatali patriam deseruit, lauream in jure docturatus est assecutus, academiae Nemausensi
ascriptus, difficilis Tholosae litis exitum optatum sortitus, demum serenissimi magni Hetru-
riae ducis academias annumeratus Pisanis.

" Patrem habuit Thomam baronem de Muresk, Achterles, ct Killcsmont, Banfiac ac
Buquhaniae proregem : matrem Janam Leslaeam, baronis Balchoniae, irenarchac Aberdo-
nensis, sororem ; aviam paternam Eleonoram ultimi ex Stuartis Buquhaniae comitis filiam,
maternam Catharinam Forbassi vicecomitis sororem, et Arthuri, qui cum Gordoniis res
infeliciter magnas gessit, nomenque suum omnibus cis Escam gentibus formidabile
reddidit.

" Statim in ipso pueritiae limine adversa familiae suae, nobilioris quam opulentae, sen-
tire coepit, nam lethales cum Currcriis Grantisque inimicitiae ita opes exhauserunt, ut jam
mortuo avo conclamatum videretur : magnae hominum utrinque caedes eum rus ablegarunt,
ubi triennis omnia elementa unius horae spatio exacte didicit, turn Turraviae sub ferula
plagosi Andreae Ogstoni tirocinium primum exercuit, mox ad celebrius auditorium trans-
latus Aberdoniae Thomam Carngillium audivit, praecipuum eo tractu grammaticum.

" Inter haec Jacobus frater natu maximus patris concubinam Isabellam Gordoniam ab
Achavachi, magicis, ut putabatur, artibus illectus, uxorem consilio amicorum vetante
duxerat, et ob id a patre exheredatus, ingenti afEnium Gordoniorum multitudinc collecta
patrem ad res provinciae ordinandas diluculo equitantem inopinato aggreditur : fit praelium
quo paterni famulitii multi cadunt, in his avunculus ipsius parricidae Gilbertus Lcslaeus, et
Joannes Sinclarus ; vulnerati, Robertus frater, Robertus Ogylbius, pater ipse cms septem
glandibus plumbeis trajectus, et acinace caput scissus ; nee incruenta fratri victoria, nam

464 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Balquholly, the seat of Mowat of Balquholly, who is
reckoned chief of this name ; now sold, A.D. m.dcc.xxvii., to Duff

proinptissimis vulneratis, ceciderunt Joannes et Patricius Gordonii. Hoc tam inaudito par-
ricidio pater irritatus, ut omnem successionis futurae spem filio parricidae praescinderet,
agros Muresk Erroliae comiti vendidit, qui, quod satisdare aut idonee cavere pater non
posset, et baronatum et pretium in hunc usque diem impune detinet, et Thomae quidem
pater inanem titulum reliquit, Mureskiam jure recuperandam, quae injuria detinetur ; sed
Regis absentia, comitis illo tractu potentia, advocatorum perfidia, parum hactenus spei
fecennit. Forte exspectas, lector, ut parricidii ultionem audias. Jacobus parricida, Rege
lethaliter excandescente, in insulas fugit cum magna sicariorum suorum manu, ibique omnia
per vim et libidinem gessit, ad ultimum Orcadum episcopum succensis aedibus exussit, inde-
que denuo profugus in Scotiani rediit, ubi Isabella Gordonia, ex qua liberos septem
sustulerat, repudiata, aliam ei superinduxit, et in Belgium, antea jam sceleris abominandi
asylum excogitatum, se recepit, ubi Deo vindice ducente Ultrajecti, ut audio, turmae
ductor, violato praeter jura belli colonello, equis quatuor est distractus, poenas justas licet
dilatas et seras Deo, naturae, patri, justitiae, toti orbi sustinens : Isabella autem conjux,
impura ilia Medea, cum liberis diu inope vita tolerata diro novi morbi cruciatu dicitur
exstincta, nee ex tam nefanda prosapia quicquam praeter execrandam memoriam superest."
(T. Dempsteri Hist. Ecclesiast. Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., pp. 672, 673, 674.) See also his
dedication to King James VI. of his edition of the Antiqvitatvm Romanorvm Corpvs
Absolvtissimvm of Rosini, Avrel. Allobrog. 1620. fol. ; and Dr. Irving's Lives of Scotish
Writers, vol. i., pp. 347—349.

'• Cur autem Dempsteri ab Angusia, ubi prima veluti incunabula rerum suarum fuerant
sortiti, alio transierunt, haec ratio est : ])uella, magnarum opum haeres Achterlessiae
baronis Sibeti, unica Joannis Dempsteri fortitudine a tyranno, qui earn per vim detinebat,
liberata, eidem assertori suo denupsit, qui raptorem virginis duello interfecit, et gentilitio
Dempsterorum leoni ensem addidit, familiae gestamen deinceps futurum, cujus illc, veluti
secundus conditor, administrationem Buchaniae et Banfiae sunimo titulo in domuni suam
intulit, quam et avus meus Joannes et pater Thomas feliciter rexerunt." (T. Dempsteri
Hist. Ecclesiast. Gentis Scotorum, t. i., pp. 235, 236.)

On the twenty-third of June, 1480, " the lordis of counsaile decretis and deliueris that
Robert Stewart of Lathris Johne Gardin Johne Gardin his sone Maister Alexander
Cabell Dauid Neile George Schiref Adam Harper and Johne Alexandersone / sail incon-
tinent devoid and red to Johne Deropstarc of Vchteiles the landis of Muresk Kynnermet
Ordmedil and Fortra pertening to the said Johne in heretage / and that thai sail content
and pay to the said Johne the malis of the said landis of twa yeris bygane And ordanis
that lettres be writin to the schiref for the devyding of the said landis and to distrenye
for the said malis and take pruife before him / how mekle the landis ar yerely worthe / And
attoure the lordis ordanis that letres be writin to the schiref / charging him to devoide and
red to Johne Dempstare his pairt of the fisching of Lathris • without that Robert Stewart /
schew that he has tak thairof of the said Johne / and alse that he compel the said Robert
to pay the malis of the said fisching / to the said Johne in sa far as restis awing of ternies

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— TURREFF. 465

of Hatton. Mowat, in old charters, is writ De Monte Alto, and was
a very considerable name. 'Tis said ther is but one lord baron in
Norway, (who is therefor called The Baroon,) and that his surname
is Mowat. A.D. m.cc.lii., Michael Mowat was one of the great
Justitiaries of Scotland ; and, indeed, I have just now a charter
lying by me, granted by King Alexander II., (anno regni xxii.. that
is, A.D. M.cc.xxxvi.,) wherein M. de Monte Alto is a witness.
Balquholly's arms are, argent, a lyon rampant sable, langued and
armed gules. Of him was George Mowat of Ingliston, created a
baronnet, A.D. m.dc.lxiv., whose family is now extinct.*

[description of the parish op TURREFF. BY MR. ALEXANDER HEPBURN.
A.D. M.DCe.XXI. '

iN ixt towards the south is the parish of Turriff, where stands the town of Turrift'.
It is a burgh of baronie ; the Countess of Errol is superior. In this town is the
parish kirk, and a large convenient dwelling house belonging to the Countess of
Errol. Over the river of Turreff, is a stone bridge, with one large arch. Up the
river Divern, towards the south-west, stands the mannor of Muresk ; and, a mile
farther to the south, lyes Laithers, the countrey seat of General Gordon. Buth-
quhan reaches not a mile beyond this place. From the town of Turriff, a mile and
a half eastward, is the great castle of Dalgatie, one of the dwelling places of the
Countess of Erroll. Some two miles towards the south, is the strong castle of
Balquholly, belonging to James Aerskine, brother to the laird of Pittodrie, who is
married to Mowat, the heiress of Balquholly. About a mile farther, stands the
castle of Towie, belonging to the heirs of Barclay of Towie. It is situate on the
river Ithan. Buthquhan runs up some two miles further to the south-west, where
stands the kirk of Auchterless. Buthquhan is narrow at this point ; the distance
betwixt Ithan and Divern does not exceed three miles. Near to this kirk stands
Hatton.

bigane / " (Acta Dominorum Concilii, pp. 59, 60.) See also, pp. 29, 93, 105, 106,
165, 259, 278, .338, 349, 350, 369 ; Acta Dominorum Auditorum, pp. 35, 40, 68, 69, 119,
154, 175, 177, 180; Robertson's Parliamentary Records of Scotland, pp. 188, 194, 382.]

• Nisbet's Heraldry, [vol. i., p. 289 ; vol. ii., app., pp. 123, 237; Remarks on Rag-
man Roll, p. 23] ; Miege's Great Britain; [and Sir James Dalrymple's Collections con-
cerning the Scottish History, pref., p. Ixxix.]

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

466 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARISH OF TURREFF. BY MB. WILLIAM WALKER.
A.D. M.DCC.XXIII.'

About the center of the parish, there is a village of the same name, where the
church stands. In this village are six yearly mercats, and a weekly mercat,
belonging to the family of Errol, the proprietors of this place. Turreff is remark-
able for its most wholsome sweet air, very pleasant fields of corn, and an exceed-
ing beautiful grass haugh on the south side of the toun. The water of Turreff,
whose course is north-west from the kirk of Monwhitter, and runs along the south
side of this haugh, and enters into Dovern about a furlong's distance from this
town, is passable by a bridge about the midle of the haugh.

The principal! seats in this parish are, Towie ; Balquholie ; Idoch ; Dalgatie ;
Muiresk ; Lathers ; Doer-Lathers ; and Gask.

Towie is situate on the north of the water of Ithain, commonly called Ythan.
It was founded, as is evident by an inscription, to be yet seen on this house, by
Sir Alexander Barclay of Towie, who dyed anno m.c.xcvi. ; ^ and is yet possest
by the posterity of the said Sir Alexander. In the water of Ithain, on which this
castle is founded, are frequently found pearls of great value, some of which are
yet in the possession of the proprietors of this house.

Balquholie is an ancient house, possest by the Mowats of Balquhollie.

Idoch is situate on the water of Turreff, three miles from the church eastward.

Dalgatie is ane ancient and large castle, and the principal seat of this parish,
belonging to the honourable family of ErroU. It stands beside an excellent free-
stone quarrie.

Muiresk, possest by the Brodies of Muiresk, is situate upon the south side of
the water of Dovern, one short mile distant from the church of Turreff to tlie
south-west.

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [" Towie Barclay was for generations the residence of a distinguished family, whose
descendants still exist in this district. The lofty hall, with its remains of architectural
grandeur, is in tolerable preservation. The ornaments are elaborate ; and this remnant of
a structure, which, in its original state, had been on a magnificent scale, shews the rank and
status which, in a former age, its proprietors enjoyed. Over the once chief entry to the
house of Towie is the following inscription : ' Sir Alexander Barclay of Tolly foundator
decessit anno Domini 1136 • In tim of valth all men seems frcndly : ane frend is not
knawin but in adversity ■ 1593. ' Notwithstanding of the first-mentioned date in the
above inscription, it is believed that the castle was not built before 1593 ; while there are
dates 1604 and 1695 on the more modern parts of the building." (The New Statistical
Account of Scotland, number xlii., p. 996.)]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF—TURREFF. 467

Lathers is distant from Tiirreff two large miles to the south-west, from Muiresk
one mile.

Doer-Lathers is one mile and a quarter from TurrefF south, from Lathers north-
east two miles.

Gask is from Turreff one mile south-east.

Carta fundacionls domus elemosinarie apud Turreth in Buchania per
Alexandrum Cummyn comitem de Buchane •' (a.d. 1273.)

Omnibus sancte matris ecclesie filiis ad quos presens scriptum peruenerit /
Alexander Cummyn comes de Buchane • Salutem eternam in Domino •
Nouerit vniuersitas uestra nos de consilio uenerabilis patris • H • Dei gracia
Aberdonensis Episcopi / necnon et aliorum uenerabiliura patrum Episco-
porum regni Scocie / domum elemosinariam apud Turreth in Buchania con-
struxisse / et nos diuine caritatis intuitu / et pro salute anime Domini Alex-
andri Dei gracia Regis Scotorum illustrissimi et suorum successorum /
animeque nostre et omnium successorum nostrorum • dedisse • concessisse •
et hac presenti carta nostra confirmasse ■ Deo • et Beate Marie • et Sancto
Cungano de Turreth ■ dicteque domui / et magistro capellanis et aliis pau-
peribus in dicta domu de Turreth Deo seruientibus / et in perpetuum
seruituris / totam terfam meam de Knockikuly ■ Tenendam et habendam
de nobis et nostris successoribus / eisdem magistro capellanis et aliis pau-
peribus ibidem Deo seruientibus / et in perpetuum seruituris / per has
diuisas subscriptas • uidelicet ■ Inter dictam terram et Kinarmy ex parte
australi sicut riuolus descendit in Pareot que uocatur Putachi • et sic
sicut Pareot descendit in aquam de Douern • et sic per Douern vsque
ad riuulum inter Auchinsoigle et Knocky ex parte occidentali / que
dicitur Knockiebura • et sic ascendendo per ilium riuulum vsque ad
uadum in capita dicti riuuli nomine Hacraky • et sic de illo uado per
vnum siketum descendentem vsque ad uadum de Culkilh • et sic descen-
dendo de illo riuulo vsque ad riuulum QuarelH / nomine Fulhet • et sic
redeundo ab illo riuulo vsque ad lapides stantes in diuisis inter Colpie et
Kakukie ■ et sic redeundo per quendam collem vsque ad lapidem stantem
de Balmak et Cokuki • et sic ab illo lapide vsque ad uiam monachorum •
et sic per illam uiam per diuisas factas per arratrum descendendo in uia
Regali inter Kynedwart et Turreth ■ et sic per illam uiam descendendo
vsque ad orientalem partem prati • et sic descendendo vsque ad riuulum de

I [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines.]

468 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Putachi • Adeo libere • quiete ■ integre • plenarie • et honorifice • in pratis
et pascuis • in uiis et semitis • in stangnis et aquis • in boscis et planis •
in feris et auibus • in moris et maresiis • in piscariis • et molendinis • et
brasinis • et in omnibus aliis llbertatibus rectitudinibus et aisiamentis / edi-
ficiis fossis commoditatibus in eadem terra constructis / uel aliquo tempore
construendis / sine aliquo retinemento • sicut aliqua pura libera et perpetua
elemosina ab aliquo coraite barone uel priore in regno Scocie liberius •
quiecius • plenarius • aut honorificencius ■ tenetur aut possidetur • Saluis
nobis tamen et beredibus nostris in perpetuum biis subscriptis articulis ■
uidelicet • lure magistrum presentandi Episcopo Aberdonensi / qui pro
tempore fuerit / quotienscunque contigerit quod debeat presentari • Et si
contino-at quod aliquis capellanus ibidem ordinatus uel institutus propter
eius excessum fuerit expulsus uel amotus / liceat magistro domus dicte qui
pro tempore fuerit per assensum nostri et heredum nostrorum vnum
alium loco ipsius amoti eligere et electum admittere • Uolumus eciam
et concedimus et confirmamus pro nobis et nostris successoribus / quod
dicti mag-ister capellani ceterique pauperes in dicta domu seruientes et
seruituri ut dictum est ; ab omni seculari seruicio • exaccione • consue-
tudine ■ demanda • forinseco domini Regis seruicio uel auxilio ■ seu forin-
seco uel auxilio nobis et nostris successoribus pertinentibus • et de omnibus
aliis que racione dicte terre cum pertinenciis per nos et successores nostros
ab eisdem magistro capellanis pauperibus / necnon et hominibus eorum in
dicta terra sua et possessionlbus degentibus in perpetuum / exigi poterint •
liberi sint et quieti • Nos etenim ac successores nostri forinsecum do-
mini Regis / tam in auxilio quara exercitu / et in omnibus aliis demandis
secularibus per nos et successores nostras petitis uel petendis / pro
dictis magistro capellanis pauperibus et suis hominibus / et pro pre-
dicta domu et terra / acquietabimus et faciemus • Sint eciam quieti ■ liberi ■
in perpetuum / de nobis et nostris successoribus / ab omni custuma • ab
omni • tol ■ frithelagio • uel cariagio • Et uolumus et concedimus pro nobis
et nostris successoribus / quod si aliquis hominum dictorum magistri
capellanorum et pauperum / infra dictam terram suam manentiura / in
aliquo casu infra predictam terram suam delinquerit • propter quod delic-
tum delinquens uitam et membrum secundum legem debeat amittere • quod
persona delinquentis in terra nostra et heredum nostrorum in Buchania
de suo delicto iudicetur / et eschaetum omnium bonorum delinquentis
iudicati qualecunque fuerit eisdem domui magistro capellanis et pauperi-
bus integre remaneat et seruetur • Saluis dictis domui magistro capel-

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— TURREFF. 469

lanis et pauperibus in perpetuum de nobis et nostris successoribus /
tractu sanguinis mercetis • et omnibus aliis quarelis ■ et forisfactis • simpli-
cibus • nisi sit quod dicti magister capellani pauperes uel eorum homines
infra dictam elimosinam aliquem publicum uel manifestura malefactorem re-
tineant / tunc uolumus quod ille publicus malefactor per legem regni in
terra nostra de Buchane iudiciuni patiatur • Dedimus eciam et con-
cessimus / et hac presenti carta nostra confirraauimus / in honore Dei Om-
nipotentis • et Sanctissime Matris sue • Sancti Congani memorati • et Om-
nium Sanctorum • ad maiorem salutem anime dicti Regis suorumque suc-
cessorum / et anime nostre / nostrorum successorum animarum • dictis domui
magistro capellanis et pauperibus / de consilio et consensu dicti patris • H •
Aberdonensis Episcopi / quicquid iuris in ecclesia de Turreth habuimus • ad
hoc • vt predicti magister capellani et pauperes ad eorum sustentacionem
in perpetuum in proprios vsus dictam ecclesiam de Turreth teneant • et
possideant • cum terra supradicta • Ordinauimus eciam / de consilio predicti
uenerabilis patris et aliorum peritorum / quod in dicta domu de Turreth
elemosinaria sit vnus magister • qui a nobis et successoribus nostris predicto
Episcopo et eius successoribus successiue presentetur • qui admissus ab
eodem Episcopo / uel successiue ab suis successoribus / plenam et liberam ad-
ministracionem dicte domus de Turreth / cum omnibus iuribus • pertinenciis •
et libertatibus superius nominatis / habeat et teneat in perpetuum • Ordina-
uimus eciam / de consensu Episcopi nominati / quod predictus magister de
bonis prenominatis dictam domum et ecclesiam dicte domus sustinebit • et
habebit sex capellanos in dictis domu et ecclesia Deo seruientes / et in
dicta ecclesia celebrantes diuina / qui per predictum magistrum debent elegi
et prouideri • Ordinamus eciam quod predictus magister de bonis predicte
domus ut dictum est sustineat in eadem domu tresdecem pauperes / quos
eidem presentabimus ex pauperibus husbandis de Buchane / quibus dictus
magister prouidebit domum competentem et uictualia necessaria • Et si con-
tingat quod vnus uel plures predictorum pauperum cedant uel discedant
quod nos et successores nostri loco ipsius uel eorum predicto magistro alium
uel alios presentabimus • Et si contingat quod nos uel heredes nostri extra
regnum fuerimus eo tempore quo aliquis capellanorum uel pauperum pre-
dictorum discedat uel recedat / uel quod heredes nostri uel successores aliquo
tempore fuerint in warda / uolumus quod magister dicte domus • qui pro tem-
pore fuerit • in periculum anime sue / alium ydoneum tam capellanum quam
pauperem loco ipsius mortui uel amoti eligat et admittat • Insuper perordi-

3 0

470 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

natum est / ex consilio predict! Episcopi / quod predict! magister et capellan!
habitum habeant canonicorum secularium quo simul vtantur in dicta
ecclesia singulis diebus • et quod omnes simulterque de bonis eiusdem domus
communiter in eadem domu et vna comedant • et libent • et in vno dormitorio
cubant dicti capellan! nisi infirmitas uel alia necessaria causa superueniat / uel
per magistrum domus dicte eis alio modo prouldeatur • Et dedimus eciam
et concessimus dicte domui de Turreth / magistro capellanis et pauperibus
in eadem domu Deo seruientibus • pro decimis castri nostri de Keineder •
duas celdras farine • et tres celdras brasei • de constabulario nostro eiusdem
castri / qui pro tempore fuerit / annuatim recepturas ■ medietatem / uidelicet /
ad Pentecosten ■ et aliam medietatem ad festum Sancti Martini in hyeme •
Et vt hec omnia firma et rata atque inconcussa permaneant / supponimus nos
et successores nostros iurisdiccioni Episcopi Aberdonensis / qui pro tempore
fuerit / qui possit nos uel successores nostros ad omnia et singula supradicta
obseruandaper censuramecclesiasticamcohercere • sicontingat / quodabsit /
quod nos uel aliquis successorum nostrorum a supradictis resilire tempte-
mus • Saluo lure Episcopal! in omnibus et per omnia • Nos autem et succes-
sores nostri predictam terram cum omnibus suis pertinenciis • libertatibus •
et ayshamentis • et rectitudinibus • et per prenominatas diuisas suas / ut pre-
dictum est / contra omnes homines et feminas warantizabimus et defen-
demus • In cuius rei testimonium present! carte nostre sigillum nostrum
apponi fecimus • Datum apvd Kelli • Dominica proxima post Purificacionem
Beate Marie Uirginis • annogracie • millesimo • ducentesimo • septuagesimo
secundo • Hiis testibus • illustr! Principe supradicto • domino Willelmo
comite de Mar • domino AUano Hostiario • dominis Reginaldis le Chen
patre et filio • domino Andrea de Garuiach • domino Philippo de Melge-
drum • domino Johanni de Maleuill • domino Fergusio Cumyn fratre
nostro • domino Willelmo de Melgedrum • Waltero Lippe • Waltero
rectore ecclesie de Fouern • Roberto de Leylie rectore ecclesie de
Slanis • Rogero dicto Paternoster / scriptore dicte carte • et multis
aliis •

Carta terrarum de Achynschogyll Plady et Delgedy •' (a.u. 1378.)

Uniuersis banc cartam visuris uel audituris • Alexander Eraser • miles • do-
minus baronie de Cowie / eternam in Domino salutem • Noueritis me dedisse

' [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines, where also there is a copy of a charter of

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— TURREFF. 471

[etc.'] dilecto fratri meo Johanni Fraser ■ totas terras meas de Achynschogyll /
de Plady / et de Delgedy / cum le Quarrell eiusdem ■ in Buchania • infra
vicecomitatum de Aberdene / pro suo bono seruicio michi hactenus impenso •
Tenendas [etc.'] predicto Johanni et heredibus suis de corpore suo procrea-
tis seu procreandis de me et heredibus meis in feodo / et hereditate [etc.] ■
Reddendo [etc.] unum par calcarum deauratorum ad festum Pentecostes
apud maneriei locum de Philorth [etc.] et faciendo tres sectas curie pro
omni alio seruicio seculari [etc.] ■ sic tamen quod si forte dictus Johannes
sine herede de corpore suo procreato seu procreando decesserit / quod absit /
dicte terre cum pertinencijs omnibus et singulis ad me et heredes meos
integre et libere reuertantur [etc.] ■ In cuius rei testimonium presentibus
sigillum meura est appensum / apud Aberdene decimo nono die mensis Maij
anno Domini millesirao tricentesimo septuagesimo sexto •

Carta confirmacionis pro Johanne de Monte Alto / de terris in Catnes • • '
(a.d. 1408.)

Robertas dux Albanie comes de Fyfe et de Mentethe • ac gubernator
regnj Scocie ■ / Omnibus [etc.] Sciatis nos quoddam scriptum inpignora-

confirmation of the grant, by •' Willelmus Fraser filius et heres Domini Alexandri Fraser
militis domini baronie de Cowy ac dominus de Philorth," dated, at Aberdeen, on the second
of April, 1397. See as to the lands of Delgaty, Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p. 175;
Acta Dominorum Concilii, pp. -269, 270, 289, 291.]

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, pp. 246, 247. In a roll of missing charters by
King Robert I. are " Carta Patricii de Montealto, of the lands of Loscragy and Culpe-
dauchis" — " Carta Patricii de Montealto, the office of Forestership de Killanell et Fromer-
teine." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, pp. 2, 17.) In the year 1471 there was an
" actioune and caus of summondis movit be Alexander Setoune aganis Alexander Forbes of
Petslego knycht and Johne Mowate of Loscragy for the wrangwiss vptakin and withhaldin
of a yeris male of the landis of Kilmondess." (Acta Dominorum Auditorum, pp. 19, 20.)
On the fifteenth of December, 1494, " in presensof the lordis auditouris Alexander Mowat
of Loscragy has denyit that cuer he seruit Henry Dowglas as are to vmquhile Jonet of
Fentone of the ferd parte of the landis of Dunblat the ferd parte of the landis of Cowes
[Towes] and the ferd parte of the landis of Antheriis [Aucheriis] becaus he saw neuer
chartour nor sesing thairapone." (Id. p. 205.) See also Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 244.
" It is mentioned in the account of the parish of Cannisby [in Caithness] in the Macfar-
lane MSS. vol. i., in the Advocates Library, that a family of the name of Mowat of Bal-
quhoUy, was formerly heritor of Freswiek, in Caithness, and patron of the jiarish of Can-
nbby : an incumbent, who entered upon the charge of this parish in ICIO, was presented by
Mowat of Balquholly." (Thoughts on Orkney and Shetland, by Mr. Groat of Newhall, p. 18.
Edinb. 1831. Svo. unpublished.) " At Freswiek [in the parish of Cannisby] is a strong old

472 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

cionis et in vadium immobile dimissionis Willelmi de Monte Alto factum et
concessum • dilecto nostro Johanni de Monte Alto filio sue [etc.'] inspexisse
et intellexisse ad plenum in hec uerba • • Omnibus hoc scriptum visuris
vel audituris • Willelmus de Monte Alto dominus de Loscragy / salutem
in Domino ■ Nouerit vniuersitas vestra me impignorasse et in vadium im-
mobile dimississe carissimo filio meo Johanni de Monte Alto • pro octoginta
marcis vsualis monete ■ quas ab ipso causa mutui recepi et in vsu meo
necessario et honesto eonuertebam • omnes et singulas terras meas quas
habeo in tenemento et terrltorijs de Freswik et de Ockyngille • cum per-
tinenciis in Catnes • Tenendas [etc.'] predicto Johanni et heredibus suis et
assignatis de me et heredibus meis in feodo inpignoracionis imperpetuum
[etc.] In cuius rei testimonium sigillum meum presenti scripto meo est
appensum apud Perthe xxij die mensis Julij • anno Domini millesimo
cccc"" decimo • hijs testibus nobilibus viris Dominis Johanne Senescalli de
Lome Georgio de Lesly Willelmo de Monte Alto de Feme militibus Ro-
berto Senescalli de Lome et Thoma de Blare scutiferis cum multis alijs •
Quod quidem scriptum [etc.] in omnibus et per omnia approbamus [etc.]
In cuius rei testimonium presenti carte nostre confirmacionis sigillum officij
nostrj apponi precepimus Testibus etc. apud Dovn in Mentethe vicesimo
octauo die mensis Julij • anno Domini millesimo cccc™° • decimo Et guber-
nacionis nostre • Anno quinto • •

Litera Regis pro Thoma Couipland de Vdaucht •' (a.d. 1509.)
James be the grace of God King of Scottis To our schiref of Abirdene
and his deputis greting Forsamekle as we vndirstand that oure louit
Thomas Couipland of Vdaucht is occupyit in continuale seruice with ws

castle, built on a high rock joined to the continent by a narrow neck of land. Tortaeus
calls it ' Lambaburgum, sine castrum agnorum.' It sustained a memorable siege in the
twelfth century. In later times it was possessed by Mouat of Bucholly. The common
))eople call it ' Buccles Castle,' a corruption of ' BuchoUy's Castle.' " (Pope's Account of
Caithness, printed in the Appendix, number v., to Pennant's First Tour in Scotland, and in
Pinkerton's Voyages and Travels, vol. iii., p. 153.)

1 [From the Libri Actorum Curiae Vicecomitatus de Aberdeen, vol. i. MS. Upon the
twelfth of February, 1493, " the lordis of consale decrettis and deliueris that Alexander
Coplande of Vthdo does wrang in the detentioune and withalding fra Alexander Mar burges
of Abirdene of five pundis of annuale yerely of the saidis landis of Vthdo awing to the said
Alexander Mar and pertening to him heretablely as wes preffit be the chartour and sesing
maid to hmi thairapone schewin and producit before the lordis [e<c.]" (Acta Dominorum
Concilii, p. 281.) See also, p. 312.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— MONQUHITTER.

473

and with cure weilbelouit cousiiig and consaloure Alexander Erll of Huntlie
for the quhilk he may nocht gudely cum to gif sute and presence for his
landis of Vdauch in oure schiref courtis of Abirdene We hawe heirfore
exemit and be thir oure lettres specealie exemis the said Thomas fra all
sute or seruice to be gewin be him for his saidis landis in oure schiref
courtis of Abirdene and fra yow your office and jurisdiction in tym cuming
during will be thir oure lettres • Oure will is herefore and we charge yow
that ye and your deputis ceiss fra all journaing and calling the said Thomas
for onny sute and presence or ony vthir seruice quhat sumeuer to be gewin
for his saidis landis in oure schiref courtis of Abirdene or to pass vpone
inquestis assyis or vthervaiis in tym cuming or to vnlaw him or his saidis
landis thairfor or to do ony thing incontrar this oure exempcioun in ony
viss during all the tym thairof vndir all the hiest pane and charghe that
eftir may follow dyschargeing yow and your deputis of office in that parte be
thir oure lettres of exempcioun for our will to endure and ay and quhill we
declaire our mynd to yow in the contrare be our speceale lettres to be
schewing thairapone Thir oure lettres be yow pene and vndirstand de-
liuering thame agane to the berrare Gewin vndir oure signete at Edin-
burgh the xiiij day of Julij and of oure regnne the xxij yeire • ]

MONWHEETER.

ONWHEETER was ■

AucHRY,- the seat of Cumming of Auchry,
whose grandfather, (provost of Elgen,) bought it.

' [" The parish of Monquhitter was disjoined from that of Tur-
riff in the year 1649, and received its name from the farm whereon
the church was built." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. vi.,
p. 121. Edinb. 179.3; The New Statistical Account of Scotland,
number xxxix., p. 765, Edinb. 1842.)]
2 [See F. Douglas' Description of the East Coast of Scotland, pp. 308—310. Of the
family of Con, or Cone, of Auchry, was descended George Con, (perhaps better known
under his Latinized name of Conaeus,) a scholar and ecclesiastic of considerable note in the
beginning of the seventeenth century. Notices of his lifeand works will be found in T. Denip-
steri Hist. Ecclesiast. Gent. Scotorum,t. i., pp. 170 — 172 ; Sir Thomas Urquhart's Tracts,
p. 118: (" Signer Georgio Con was, by his intimacy with Pope Urban's nephews, Don
Francesco, Don Antonio, and Don Tadaeo Barbarini, and for his endeavouring to advance
the catholico-pontifical interest in Great Britain, to have been dignified with a cardinal's

474 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[description of MONTWHITTER. by MR. ALEXANDER HEPBURN.
A.D. M.DCC.XXI. '

i. he parish of Montwhitter lyes east from Turreff ; west from New Deer ; north
from Fyvie ; and south from The Muires of Pitsligo. The river of Turreff borders
it on the west. In this parish are the mannor of Idoch, belonging to the Countess
of Errol ; the parish kirk ; the manner of Auchry, the dwelling of Cumniing of
Auchry ; and an old ruinous castle, called Auchry, which belonged to the laird of
Tolquhon.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARISH OF MODNTQUHITER. BY MR. WILLIAM OGILVY.
A.D. M.DCC.XXIV. '

The description of this parish should be insert by him who writs of Turreff',
for about seventy years agoe it was in the parish of Turreff"; but is now disjoined,
and a church called Mountquhiter stands on the water of Turreff", (at Mountwhiter
called the water of Auchry.)

hat, which (by all appearance) immediately after his departure from London, he would
have obtained as soon as he had come to Rome, had death not prevented him by the way in
the city of Genua : but had he returned to this island with it, I doubt it would have proved
e'er now as fatal to him, as another such like cap in Queen Maries time had done to his
compatriot Cardinal Betoun.") Heylyn's Life of Archbishop Laud, pp. 359, 414 ; Claren-
don's History of the Great Rebellion, pp. 60, 127 ; Maidment's Catalogues of Scotish
Writers, p. 27; Dr. Irving's Lives of Scotish Poets, vol. i., p. 112, 113; The Miscellany
of the Spalding Club, vol. ii., pref. p. cxi. He died at Rome on the tenth of January, 1640,
in the forty-second year of his age ; and was interred there in the church of San Lorenzo
in Damaso, where his tomb, surmounted by his efEgy and coat of arms, and bearing the fol-
lowing inscription, is still to be seen : " D. O. M. Georgio Conaeo Scoto Aberdonensi Pa-
tricii domini de Achry ex antiqua Magdonaldi familia et Isabellae Chyn ex baronibus de
Essilmont filio qui inter conterraneos eloquentia et doctrina Duaci et Romae haustis librisque
editis immortalitati se commendavit prudentia vero et agendi dexteritate summorum princi-
pum ac praesertim Cardinalis Barberini in cujus aula diu vixit cujusque legationes Gallicanam
Hispanicamque secutus est benevolentiam promeruit quem Urbanus VIII Pontifex ingenio-
rum maximus existimator quanti fecerit et ad Magnae Britanniae Reginam Henriettam in
Catholicorum solamen allegatione et ingenti in ipsius morte quae ne in editiori loco positus
clarius clucesceret vetuerat moerore testatus est obiit die x Januarii anno mdcxl in aedibus
vicecancellarii qui amico funus amplissimum in hac basilica faciendum curavit et monumentum
posuit • ifi^s £» T>! «oT/a ipoLivu xai v, (tkctm huto au KuriXa-liiv :" There is an interesting
portrait of him at Gordon Castle. He is represented with light sandy hair, parted in the
middle, and confined at the top by a small scull cap ; with large moustaches, and with a small
pointed beard. The painting bears the following inscription : " Georgius Coneus ad Mag-
nae Britanniae Reginam legatus : et ad purpuram designatus : obiit anno aetatis 42° ."]
1 [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections. MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— DRUMBLATE. 475

A quarter of a myle from the church stands the house of Auchry, belonging to
the name of Gumming ; and from tliat north-west, about half a mile, on the water
side to the south east, stands an house called The Castle of Auchry, belonging
now to Draco, holden of the family of ErroU.

The parish abounds with mosses and muirs of great bounds, at considerable
distance from dwelling houses and from the church. Ther's a gentlemans dwelling
of the name of Grant, called Tucker, vassel to the family of Erroll, half a mile
from the church south-west. There are no places else noticeable in that parish,
except a dwelling place called Asleed, belonging to the name of Hay, three myles
distant from the church east-south-east ; and another dwelling place called Kaithen
belonging to the name of Cheen, three myles from the church south-east ; and a
dwelling place called Brounhill ; and another, Less-Craiggy, belonging to the
name of Dingwall, lying from the church south-east two myles.]

DRUMBLAIT.

|RUMBLAIT is dedicated to Saint Hilary.' It
has an isle for the Bissets of Lessendrum, and two
silver chalices, gifted, (under Bishop Halyburton,)
by the parishoners. ^

at ChaPPELTON.* Chapels.

at Lessendrum.

^J-^ Lessendrum, the seat of Bisset of Lessen- Manners.
drum, now chief of this name.

CocLERACHiE, the Seat of Gordon of Coclerachie, descended
of those of Craig in Auchindoir.
Newton of Lesmore.

' ["A well at Burnside, in the neighbourhood of the church, is called Teller's Well,
a corruption of Saint Hilary's. The time has been when peculiar virtues were attributed
to it from the blessing of the saint whose name it bears." (The New Statistical Account
of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 298. Edinb. 1840.)]

2 [" There are two silver communion cups, gifted by George Chalmer, a minister of the
parish in the times of Episcopacy. There is also a hand-bell of considerable eintiquity, with
the name of George Biset upon it, and the date 1504." (Id., p. 303.)]

^ [" At one time there was evidently a chapel in the parish besides the church. There
are now no remains of the building ; but the form of a burying-ground is still seen, and
a well, called The Chapel Well." fid., p. 304.)]

476 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[description of the parish of dromblate. '
Seats. Gentlemens seats here are, Lessendrum, half a mile north-west from the church ;

Newtoun of Garioch, half a mile south-west from it ; Cock Larachie, two miles
south-west ; Dummuys, two miles south-south-west ; and Chappelton, two miles
south. No river of note but the Black Water, (which see in Gartlie,) that divides
it from Inch ; nor any hill but that of Chappelton, which is part of a ridge of hills
running from west to east, without any particular name, but from the contiguous
places, which divide Strathbogy from The Garioch and Buchan. At Chappelton is
an old chappel, with a well, dedicated to St. Hilary. This is a country exceeding
fertile of coi-ns, and well provided with moss, but straitned for pasture. Its length
from Bruntstone west, to Monelie east, is one and a half miles ; its breadth from
Broomhill south, to Knights Miln north, three and a half miles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARISH OF DRUMBLADE. ' A.D. M.DCC.XXIV.

J. he church is situate upon the burn of Divies, on the east syd of the paroch,
which arises in the hill of Ordiesnaught, in the south end of the paroch, and,
running northward, meets with the Cloughmaugh burn, which ariseth on the
south-west part of the paroch, in a litle hill called Cairnhill, and separates it from
Kennoir and Forgue : it falleth into the water of Dovern, besydthe kirk of Inner-
keithnie. On the south-west, the water of Bogie separates it from Dunbennan.
On the south-east, it is separate from the paroch of Inch by the water of Urie ;
and on the south, from the paroch of Gartly by the burn of Tiltie.

It lyes three miles from the Castle and Rawes of Huntly, eastward ; and two
and twenty miles north-west from the city of Aberdeen, the capital of the shire.

There are six gentlemens dwelling houses in the paroch : Lessendrum, a mile
north-west from the church, a mile north from Newton Gairy, and two miles east
from Huntley Castle. Newton Gairy bears a mile south-west from the church,
two miles north-east from Cocklarachy, and two miles south-east from Huntley
Castle. Cocklarachie beareth three miles south-west from the church, and one
mile south and south-east from Huntley Castle. Duramuies lyeth two miles
south and by east from the church, and two miles from Strathbogie. Stoniefeild
and Chappelton, about a quarter of a mile distant from one another, ly about a
large mile distant from the church, on the south and south-west, and thi'ee miles
south-south-east from Huntley Castle.

In this paroch is the park of Sliach, ^ noted for being the place where King

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [" There are three tumuli in this parish ; the largest, Meet-liillock, is near Slioch,
where King Robert Bruce encamped." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. iv., p. 35.

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— DRUMBLATE. 477

Robert Bruce encamped in his sickness, before the battle of Old Meldrum, wliere
he defeat the Cummins.

Opposite to the north side of tlie paroch, lyes the hill of Formartin, corrupted! y
called The Forman Hill, in the liead of the countrey so denominate.

The publick road in this paroch lyeth from Strathbogy south-east towards
Aberdeen, on which there is only one lodging inn, called Adamston, about two
miles from Huntley Castle. Another highway lyeth east from Huntley to Tur-
reff, on which there is a lodging inn hard by the church, called Burnsyde.

St. Hilary was of old reckoned the patron of Drumblade, in memory of whom
there is a yearly fair, corruptedly called Teller fair, holdin at the church of Drum-
blade.

Prosecutio et sententia super nativis ■' (a.d. 1364.)

Universis Christi fidelibus ad quos presentes litere pervenerint Walterus
Byset dorainus de Lessyndrom ac locum tenens vicecomitis de Banf
salutem in Domino ■ Noverit universitas vestra quod vicesimo sexto die
mensis Aprilis curia vicecomitis tenta fuit apud Banf • comparuit coram
nobis reverendus in Christo pater Dominus Alexander Dei gratia Epis-
copus Moraviensis demonstrans quoddam breve de capella domini nostri
Regis super nativis dicti domini Episcopi recuperandis et habendis nobis
directum • et petens nominatim Robertum de Curry • Neuynum de
Achres et Donaldum Rogerson nativos homines suos sibi juste delibe-
rari • Cujus petitioni dictus Robertus • Neuynus et Donaldus resistere
non valentes • facta nobis fide in judicio per Thomam de Spensa marum
vicecoraitatus de Banf super arrestationibus replegiationibus et omnibus
aliis ad dictum breve requisitis < partibus in judicio personaliter compar-
entibus • per meliores et fideliores patrie assysam levari fecimus • auditis
allegationibus et defensionibus partium • qui jurati per magnum sacra-
mentum decreverunt et declaraverunt prefatos Robertum • Neuynum et
Donaldum esse nativos et legios homines dicti domini Episcopi et ecclesie
Moraviensis • Et hoc per Stephanum dictum Broky curie vicecomitatus
antedicti judicem sententiari fecimus viva voce • In cujus rei testi-
monium sigillum nostrum presentibus est appensum • Datura apud Banf

Edinb. 1792.) See also The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., pp. 301,
302 ; Ruddiman's Edinburgh Magazine, vol. iv., p. 623. Edinb. 1760 ; The Book of Bon-
Accord, p. 355.]
' [From the Registrum Episcopatus Moraviensis, p. 161, Edinb. 1837.]

3 p

478 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

• xxvi" • die mensis Aprilis • anno Domini millesimo • ccc° ■ sexagesimo
quarto supradicto •

Indentura facta inter Willelmum de Fentoune dominum eiusdera / et Mer-
garetam de le Ard dominam de Ercles et Thomam de Chesehelme
filium et heredem dicte Margarete • ' (a.d. 1403.)

Robertus dux Albania comes de Fyfe et de Menteth ac gubernator regni
Scocie ■ Omnibus [e<c.] salutem • Sciatis nos quamdam partem cuiusdam
indenture facte inter • Willehnum de Fentone de Baky ex parte vna • et Mer-
o-aretam de le Ard de Ercles et Thomam de Chesehelm filium suum et he-
redem ex parte altra • supra finali concordia inter ipsos inita et finita de
participacione quarumdam terrarum de quibus fuerunt heredes parcionarij
[etc.~\ intellexisse ad plenum in hec verba • • Hec indentura facta apud
Kynrossy in baronia de Culase infra vicecomitatum de Perth vicesimo
quinto die mensis Aprilis • anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tercio •
inter nobilem uirum et potentem Willelmum de Fentoune dominum eiusdem
ex parte vna ■ et Mergaretam de le Ard dominam de Ercles et Thomam de
Chesehelme filium et heredem dicte Mergarete ex parte altra • testatur •
quod post diuersas discordias inter partes predictas sepius motas super par-

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, pp. 252, 233. On the eighteenth of March, 1490,
" the accioune and causs persewit be Dauid Broiss of Clakmannane Deme Marioun Heriss,
his spous the spous of vmquhilc Dauid Stewart of Rossytht knycht and Dauid Stewart of
Rossitht knycht the sone and are of tlie said vmquhile Schyr Dauid aganis Alexander
Tulydeff of That like William Crawfurde of Fethray Alexander Chavmcr quhilkis past of
before apone the seruing of ane breif of inquest of our Souerane Lordis chapell impetrate
be Henrj Dowglas be the decess of vmquhile Jonet Fentoune his moder apone the ferd
parte of the landis of Dunblait and the ferd parte of the landis of Toweis witht the pcrti-
nentis Hand in the erledoume of Mar witthin the schirefdoume of Abirdene and of the ferd
parte of the landis of Auclieriis lyand in the barony of Slanis within the forsaid schiref-
dom / for the errour wrangwis deliuerance and ansuering to the poyntis and articlis of the
said breif And als aganis the said Henrj Dowglas for his interess as at mare lenth is con.
tenit in the summondis is be the lordis of consale contenewit to the first day of Maij nixt
tocum [etc.}" (Acta Dominorum Concilii, pp. 184, 185.) On the fifteenth of December,
1494, " in presens of the lordis auditouris Alexander Mowat of Loscragy denyit that euer
he seruit Henry Dowglas as are to vmquhile Jonet of Fentone of the ferde parte of the
landis of Dunblat the ferd parte of the landis of Towes and the ferd parte of the lands of
Aucheriis becaus he saw neuer chartour nor sesing tharapone quharapone Dauid Balfour ot
Caraldstone as forspekare for Dam Mary Heris askit a not." (Acta Dominorum Audito-
rum, p. 205.)]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— DRUMBLATE. 479

ticipacione terrarum inter partes predictas participandarum ■ dicte discordie
modo et forma subsequentibus fuerunt finaliter finite et sopite • videlicet •
quod tota ct integra baronia de Rethy cum pertinenciis [e^c] infra viceco-
mitatum de Forfare iacens ■ et eciam tota terra de Culase et de Buthir-
gask • infra vicecomitatum de Perth • cum pertinenciis existens • et eciam
tota terra de Quodquem in valle de Clyde infra vicecomitatum de Lanark ■
dicto Willelmo heredibus suis sine clameo quocunque per dictam Mero-are-
tam Tbomam de Chesehelme heredes suos aut assignatos imperpetuum
remanebunt • Et econuerso in recompensacione dictarum terrarum terre
subscripte dicte Mergarete et dicto Thome et ipsorum heredibus per dic-
tum Willelmum imperpetuum assignabuntur ■ videlicet ■ tota et integra
baronia de le Gask cum pertinenciis \_etc.'] infra vicecomitatum de Forfare
iacens • ac eciam tota uilla dominica de Kynrossy cum molendino eiusdem
ac eciam Strathy et Pronny in comitatu de Stratherne existentes [etc.~\ •
Insuper assensum est et concordatum inter partes predictas quod baronia de
Drumblathe infra vicecomitatum de Aberdene isto modo diuidetur • vide-
licet ■ tota et integra villa de le Sclewo cum pertinenciis • dicto Willel-
mo • et heredibus suis imperpetuum remanebit • et due ville de duabus
Dummullys cum pertinenciis dicte Mergarete et dicto Thome et heredibus
suis in recompensacione dicte uille de Slewo imperpetuum remanebunt •
Quadraginta vero soHdi de Guerry vna cum tota villa de le Kyrktoune ipsis
duabus partibus presentibus super territorium eiusdem inter ipsos equahter
diuidetur • raolendinum vero eiusdem baronie assedabitur cum consensu
partis vtriusque et proficuum de eodem proueniens inter ipsos equaliter
diuidetur • Tenendia vero de Lossyndrum cum pertinenciis dicto Willelmo
et heredibus suis imperpetuum remanebit • Et tenendia vero / de Culme-
legy in recompensacione de Lossendrum dicte Mergarete et dicto Thome
et ipsorum heredibus imperpetuum assignatur ■ Insuper assensum est et
concordatum inter partes predictas • quod dictus Willelmus omnes terras
de duabus Tolhs et de Culquhorke • cum pertinenciis • in comitatu de
Marre • et omnes terras de duabus Arkeriis et de le Cragtoune in baronia
de Crouden in Buchania iacentes • infra vicecomitatum de Aberdene • pos-
sidebit • Et secundum quod ordo iuris postulat eorum clameum expect-
ando ■ Terre vero de le Ard stabunt eodem modo participate quo antique
tempore fuerunt diuise / et tenendie earundem erunt diuise secundum
ordinacionem apud Dunde factam prout in indenturis inde confectis plenius
continetur • Ad quod fideliter obseruandum et tenendum in omnibus punctis

480 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

suis et articulis vt supradictum est tactis sacrosanctis euuangeliis ambe
partes iuramentum prestiterunt corporale • In cuius rei testimonium • parti
vero iiuius indenture • penes dictam Mergaretam • et dictum Tliomam
remanenti sigillum dicti Willelmi est appensum • parti vero penes predic-
tum Willelraum remanenti • sigilla dicte Mergarete et dicti Thome sunt
appensa / anno die et loco supradictis • Quam quidem indenturam [e<e.]
imperpetuum confirmamus • Saluo domino nostro Regi ■ et heredibus suis •
de omnibus predictis terris cum pertinenciis seruicio debito et consueto •
In cuius rei testimonium presenti carte nostre confirmacionis magnum sigil-
lum officij nostri apponi precepimus • Testibus [efc.] ■ Apud Falklande
decimo tercio die mensis Julij anno Dominj millesirao • quadringentesimo
terciodecimo ■ Et gubernacionis nostre octauo • ]

KING-EDWARD.

ING-EDWARD ' is so named from an old castle
here, (standing, as the church, on a little river
called also King-Edward, which joins Dovern be-
neath the church,) built either by King Edward
III. or Edward Balliol, while he overrun this
country as King.

The church has an isle, and two silver chalices. -

' [" Keu-Edar was the ancient name of the parish, which, like all the old names of
places in this country, is no doubt a word of Gaelic derivation.'' (Statistical Account of
Scotland, vol. xi., p. 398. Edinb. 1794.) " Though the name of this parish has long
been written King-Edward, yet, by the people in this part of the country, it is often pro-
nounced Kinedart. The name is supposed to be derived from two Gaelic words, which
signify the head of the valley." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number
XXV., p. 274. Edinb. 1840.)]

- [In a roll of missing charters by King Robert I., is " Carta given to the Abbacie
of Der, of the kirk of Kinerward, grantit be John Cumyng Earle of Buchane, in vice-
oomitatu de Aberdeen." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 1.)

" The church seems to have been built during the incumbency of Dr. William Guild,
who was minister here in the early part of the seventeenth century, for about twenty-two
years. He was afterwards one of the ministers of Aberdeen, and principal of The King's
College and University of Aberdeen. His initials are engraved on a stone above the west
door. From the date, 1621, on an arched gateway leading into the church-yard, of the
same style with the church, it would appear that the church had been erected about the

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF—KINEDWARD. 481

at King-Edward castle. Chappeis

at Iden.

King Edward castle, ' quite ruinous. Mamiois.

Garniston, in the last age the seat of the chief of the name
of Dalgarno, (said to be originally a branch of the Cunninghams,)
whose arms are, gules, a fess between three boars heads couped,
argent.

Craigston,- a great castle with a battlement, built by

same time. Within, and on tlie north wall, near the east end of the church, is a monu-
ment, with the following inscription : ' Joannes Urquhart hoc in honorem Dei et matris
suae Beatricis Inncs dominae a Cromertie memoriam erexit opus anno 1599.' In Craig-
ston's aisle, which is connected with the church, are likewise monuments to John Urquhart,
Tutor of Cromarty, and to other members of the family." (The New Statistical Account
of Scotland, number xxv., pp. 277, 278.)

" Sir Thomas Urquhart, the author of the ' Jewel,' who was connected with the
family of Craigston, if he did not reside in this parish, seems to have taken an interest in
it ; for the inscription on the massive silver comnmnion cups shews that they were a joint
present from Dr. Guild, Sir Thomas Urquhart, and John Urquhart of Craigfintrie, the
former name of Craigston." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxv.,
pp. 276, 277.)]

' [" On the post road from Turriff to Banff stands the ruin of the castle of King-
edward, the ancient seat of the once powerful Earls of Buchan. It seems to have been a
place of great strength, fortified on the south side by a steep rock, washed by the burn of
King-Edward, and, on the other side, where the site of the building is on a level with the
adjacent ground, by a wide and deep ditch." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xi.,
pp. 407, 408.) See above, p. 470.]

2 [" Craigston Castle was built about the beginning of the seventeenth century, by
John Urquhart, commonly called Tutor of Cromarty. It is a fine old building, and the
grounds about it are much embellished." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland,
number xxv., p. 277.) " The present house of Craigston, according to a curious inscrip-
tion remaining upon the wall, was ' foundit the fourtene of March ane thousand sex bounder
four yeiris and endit the 8 of December 1607.' It was built by the Tutor of Cromarty."
(Mr. Ty tier's Life of Sir Thomas Craig, p. 346. Edinb. 1823.) It is believed that the great
Scotish feudalist was descended from the old family of Craig of Craigston : " D. Thomas
Cragius de Riccarton," says his earliest biographer, " cques, ex antiqua Cragiorum de
Craigston, (quod praedium est Buchaniae, septentrionalis Scotiae regionis,) gente oriun-
dus, patrem habuit Robertum Cragium mercatorem Edinensem, illius quem diximus gentis
principis filium natu secundum." (D. Thomae Cragii Vita, p. xvi. ap. Jus Feudale,
Edinb. 1732. fol.) See also Mr. Tytler's Life of Craig, pp. 2, 345, 346 ; Mr. Riddell's

482 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Urquhart, tutor of Cromarty, (who married Seton the heiress of
Meldrum,) now possessed by Duff of Craigston, son to Duff of
Keithmore, in Murthlack.

Eden, formerly possessed by the Meldrums, afterward by the
Lesleys of Eden, and now by the Duffs.

Bi.ACKTON, the seat of Forbes of Blackton ; the first of which
family was Abraham, fifth son to William Lord Forbes, (by Elisa-
beth, daughter to Sir William Keith of Inverugy,) who, by Janet,
daughter to James Duncan of Mardrum, had issue.*

Under King James I., John Stuart, Earl of Buchan, gave the
barony of King Edward to Sir Alexander Forbes of That Ilk,
which grant was confirmed to the Lord Forbes by King James
IV. t

[description of TffE PARISH OF KING EDWARD. BY MR. ALEXANDER
HEPBURN. A.D. M.DCC.XXI. '

J. he parish of King Edward lyes up the river Divern, southward ; in which is
tlie parish kirk ; the castle of Craigstone, the jointure house of the old Lady
Breka ; the mannor of Fisherie, belonging to the laird of Dipple ; the manner
of Blackstoun, the residence of Forbes of Blackstoun ; and, upon the river in
Buthquhan, lyes some villages in the parish of Alva, with the mannor of Dunlu-
gies, the residence of Grant of Dunlugies.

Remarks upon Scotch Peerage Law, pp. 164—167. Edinb. 1833 ; Dr. Irving's Lives of
Scotish Writers, vol. i., p. 147.) Arthur Johnstone has left an epitaph on one of the
Urquharts of Craigston :

" In obitum loannis Vrchardi Cragstonii.
Occidit Vrchardus, quo nemo beatior, aevi

Jam fatur, et famulas quas sibi fecit, opum.
Posteritas, cui liquit agros et praedia, disce
Illius exemplo vivere, disce mori."

(Art. lonstoni Poemata Omnia, p. 381.)]

* Lumsden's Manuscript [Genealogy of the Family of Forbes, pp. 12, 24, 25. edit.
1819.]
X Nisbet's Heraldry.
' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURKEFF— KINEDWARD. 483

Conlirmacio carte domini Walter! de Lesley •' (a.d. 13G9.)

Dauid Dei gracia • • Rex • • Scottorum • ■ Omnibus [e^c] • • Sciatis nos
quamdani cartam Walteri de Lesley militis \_etc.'] intellexisse / tenorem
qui sequitur continentem • • Omnibus banc cartam visuris uel audituris ■ •
Walterus de Lesley dominus de Filortlie • • Salutem in Domino sempiter-
nam / Sciatis vniuersi nos dedisse [etc.'] i dilecto et fideli nostro • • Jo-
hanni de Vrchard filio Ade de Vrchard • vicecomiti de Crombathy et
heredibus suis pro homaijio et seruicio suo nobis inpenso et impendendo /
totam terram nostrara de Fohesterdy in Buchania / in ballia de Kynnedore
existentem / cum le Fortyre eiusdem quod dicitur Clochorby cum perti-
nenciis earundem vniuersis • Tenendam et habendam eidem Johanni et
heredibus suis de nobis et heredibus nostris in feodo et hereditate [e/c]
in curiis et querelis etc. ■ cum hominibus legiis etc. ■ Faciendo domino
nostro Regi forinsecum seruicium etc. ■ In cuius rei etc. ■ Testibus etc. ■
Apud • • Inuernes / octauo die Nouembris • • anno Domini millesimo tre-
centesimo Sexagesimo • • none / Quam quidem cartam [etc.'] inperpetuum
confirmamus / saluo seruicio nostro In cuius rei testimonium presenti
carte nostra confirmacionis sigillum nostrum precepimus apponj / Testibus
venerabili in Xpo patribus / Willelmo Episcopo Sanctiandree / et Patricio
Episcopo Brechinensi cancellario nostro ■ • Roberto Senescalli Scocie
nepote nostro / Willelmo comite de Douglas • • Roberto de Erskyne / et
Willelmo de Disschyngtona militibus / Apud Monros octauo die mensis
Decembris • • anno regnj nostrj Quadragesimo • •

Confirmacio carte Hugonis de Rosse ■" (a.d. 1369.)

Jjauid Dei gracia • • Rex • • Scottorum / Omnibus etc. Sciatis nos quam-
dani cartam / Hugonis de Rosse / domini de Fillorthe filij quondam domini
Hugonis • • comitis de Rosse / [etc.] intellexisse / tenorem qui sequitur con-
tinentem / Omnibus [etc.] i Hugo de Rosse dominus de Fylorthe filius
quondam domini Hugonis comitis de Rosse • eternam in Domino salutem ■ ■
Sciatis vniuersi nos dedisse etc. i dilecto consanguineo nostro • Ade de
Vrchard / vicecomiti de Crombathy / et heredibus suis / totam terram

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigiili, pp. 63, 64.]

- [From the Registrvm Magni Sigiili, p. 64. See also Robertson's Index to the
Charters, pp. 33, 86.]

484 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

nostram de Fohesterdy in Buchania / in ballia de Kynnedore existentem
cum le Fortyre eiusdera quod dicitur Clochorby cum pertinenciis earundem
vniuersis \_etc.'] In cuius rei etc. ■ Testibus etc. ■ Apud Owlenys • ■ primo
die Julij • ■ anno Dominj millesimo trecentesirao sexagesimo quinto /
QuAM quidem cartam etc. vt supra • Apud Monros octauo die raensis
Decembris • • anno regnj nostrj Quadragesimo • •

Carta baronie de Kynnedwarde •' (a.d. 1401.)

Robertus etc. Sciatis nos dedisse \_etc.'\ dilecto filio nostro Alexandro
Senescalli • domino de Badenache • totam et integram baroniam de Kyn-
nedwarde cum pertinenciis • infra vicecomitatum de Abirdene • quam
quidem baroniam cum pertinenciis • dilecta consanguinea nostra Eufaraia
domina de Rosse non vi aut metu ducta nee errore lapsa / set sua mera
et spontanea voluntate nobis per fustum et baculum sursum reddidit [e?c.]
In cuius rei etc. • Testibus [etc.'\ apud Inuernys xxij die Julij • anno
regni uostri duodecimo •

Conuencio super terris de Loncardy -^ (a.d. 1446.)

In Dei nomine Amen • Per hoc presens publicum instrumentum cunctis
pateat euidenter quod anno ab incarnacione Domini millesimo quadrin-
gentesimo quadragesimo sexto / mensis vero Decembris die vicesimo /
Indictione decima / pontificatus sanctissimi domini nostri Domini Eugenij
diuina prouidencia pape quartj anno decimo sexto / In mei notarij public!
et testium subscriptorum presencia personaliter constituti nobiles viri Alex-
ander Fraser dominus de Phillorthe / ex vna ■ et Johannes de Thorntoun de
eodem ex parte Mariote sponse sue / partibus ex altera • penes questionem
motam inter eosdem super terris de Loncardy iacentibus in baronia de
Kynedward inft-a vicecomitatum de Aberdene / sponte et simpliciter sub-

' [From the Registrvra Magni Sigilli, p. 1(35. In a roll of missing charters by King
Robert III. are " Carta to David Fleming of Biggar, of the lands of Auchlan, in the barony
of Kinnednard, in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen ;" and " Carta confirmationis given to Thomas
Gardin, of the lands of Fulbakater, in the barony of Klnnedward, in vicecomitatu de Aber-
deen." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, pp. 140, 141.) See also as to the barony and
lands of Kinedward, Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p. 177; Acta Dominorum Concilii, pp_
93, 105, 165; Crawfurd's Lives of the Officers of State, pp. 281,282; Nisbet's Heraldry,
vol. ii., part iv. app. p. 244 ; Robertson's Parliamentary Records of Scotland, pp. 445, 477.]

- [From the original in the charter room at Slaines.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— KINEDWARD. 485

miserunt se / et fide media obligantur stare .... decreto et determinacione
nobilis et potentis domini Willelmi Domini de Haya Constabularij Scocie
tunc presentis et sui consilij non suspecti / ferendis quandocunque partes
predicte per dictum Dominum Constabularium ad hoc super premonicionem
quindecem dierum specialiter summoniti fuerint / Ita quod ilia pars cuius
possessio dictarum terrarum de Loncardy cum pertinencijs per dictum
Dominum Constabularium et suum consilium adjudicata fuerat remanebit

cum eadem vna cum firmis earundem terrarum pacifice et absque

interrupcione quousque per breuia placitalia ejiciatur ■ Et quia prefatus
Alexander Fraser fatebatur se recepisse firraas dictarum terrarum de Lon-
cardy a tempore quo asseruit se recepisse sasinam earundem terrarum /
obligatur fide media vt supra restituere incontinenter decem libras predicto
Domino Constabulario vel suo deputato conseruandas quousque dicta pron-
nixetur declaracio • Et Alexander de Haya de Ardendracht procurator
dictorum Johannis de Thornton et Mariote spouse sue obligatur similiter
restituere dicto Domino Constabulario omnia et singula catalla et animalia
que ipse alias ceperat et distrinxerat pro dicta firma / vel si que deficiant /
valorem eorundem per probos homines appreciandum et consignandum vt
supra dictum est • De et super quibus omnibus et singulis prefatus
Dominus Constabularius a me notario publico infrascripto sibi fieri petijt
publicum vel publica instrumentum vel instrumenta • Acta erant hec in
ecclesia parochiali Beati Nicholai burgi de Aberden coram altari Sanctorum
Laurencij et Niniani martyris et confessoris / hora quasi quarta post meri-
diem • sub anno die mense Indictione et pontificatu quibus supra • Presen-
tibus ibidem nobilibus viris • Patricio Maitland domino de Nattirdule •
Johanne Vaus • Ricardo Vaus ■ Willelmo Rede • et Gilberto de Sanchar
de Murecroft • cum multis et diuersis alijs testibus ad premissa vocatis
specialiter et rogatis •

Et ego Johannes Cadiou clericus Aberdonensis diocesis publicus
authoritate Imperiali notarius [e<c.]

Carta Alexandri Leslie •' (a.d. 1478 et a.d. 1479.)

Jacobus Dei gracia Rex Scotorum • Omnibus [etc.'] Sciatis nos quandam
cartam dilecti consanguine! nostri Johannis de Ha / Domini Insularum / fac-
tam et concessam in feodifirma / dilecto scutifero nostro Alexandro Leslie

' [From the Earl of Haddington's Collection of Charters, vol. i., p. 80, MS.]
3 Q

486 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

de Warderis nostro receptori general! / de omnibus et singulis terris ba-
ronie de Kynedward cum pertinenciis [etc.'] ad plenum intellexisse sub hac
forma ■ Omnibus banc cartam visuris vel audituris / Johannes de Ila
Dominus Insularum • Salutem in Domino sempiternam • Noueritis nos de-
disse [etc.'] dilecto consanguineo nostro Alexandro Leslie de Wardris •
omnes et singulas terras nostras baronie nostra de Kynedward cum
pertinenciis • videlicet • Terras dominicales de Kynedward / vulgariter
nuncupatas le Casteltoun ■ ac terras de Eister Tery / Kynarroquhy / et
Faithly cum pertinenciis • iacentes infra vicecomitatum do Aberdene •
Reseruatis inde nobis et heredibus nostris tribus mercatis dictarum terrarum
de Casteltoun / cum monte castri eiusdem / ad faciendum Domino nostro
Regi seruicium pro dictis terris et baronia de Kynedward debitum et con-
suetum • Tenendas [etc.'] dicto Alexandro Leslie et heredibus suis / de
nobis et heredibus nostris Dominis Insularum et baronibus de Kynedward /
in feudifirma et hereditate inperpetuum [<?^c.] Soluendo annuatira [etc.]
pro dictis terris et baronia cum pertinenciis viginti et nouem mercas
usualis monete regni Scocie [etc.] nomine feuditirme tantum pro omni
alio seruicio secular! [etc.] ■ Insuper constituimus fecimus et ordinauimus
[etc.] dictum Alexandrum Leslie balliuum nostrum dictarum terrarum
et baronie de Kynedward cum pertinenciis ■ Tenendum et habendum idem
oflBcium balliuatus cum pertinenciis dicto Alexandro Leslie et heredibus
suis / de nobis et heredibus nostris in feodo et hereditate inperpetuum • cum
potestate curias dictarum terrarum et baronie statuendi inchoandi affir-
mandi et tenendi / ac quocies opus fuerit continuandi ■ sectas tam libere-
tenentium quam aliorum conuocari faciendi • absentes amerciandi / amer-
ciamentaque exitus et eschaetas earundem curiarum leuandi / et pro eisdem
si necesse fuerit distringendi / ac usibus suis propriis ac heredum suorum
applicandi • transgressores et delinquentes puniendi ■ inhabitantes et tenentes
dictarum terrarum et baronie / eorumque bona cattalla et grana / coram
quocunque judice vel quibuscunque judicibus attachiata vel arrestata
fuerint ad libertatem curiarum dicte baronie replegiandi vel reportandi •
et deputatum et deputatos in dicto officio / ut sibi Alexandro et heredibus
suis videbitur expediens / faciendi et deputandi • firmas et proficua dictarum
terrarum et baronie leuandi • inhabitantes et tenentes earundem remouendi
et imponendi • ac omnia alia et singula faciendi gerendi et exercendi que
ad ofScium balliuatus de jure vel consuetudine dignoscitur pertinere ■
Ratum et gratum irreuocabiliter habentes et habituri pro nobis et here-

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF—KINEDWARD. 487

dibus nostris imperpetuum / totum et quicquid dictus Alexander et here-
des sui / vel eius vel eorum deputatus vel deputati in dicto officio balliuatus /
juste duxerit seu duxerint faciendum [etc.'] ■ In cujus rei testimonium
presenti carte nostre sigillum nostrum apponi fecimus / apud Edinburght
vicesimo secundo die mensis Decerabris anno Domini millesimo quadrin-
gentesimo septuagesimo octauo • Testibus nobilibus et prepotentibus
dominis / Colino comite Argadie domino Lome et Campbell magistro
hospicij Supremi Domini nostri Regis • Lacblano Makgilleon de Deward •
Hectore Makgilleon de Loichbow • Willelmo Makleod de Gleynelg • Rory
Makleod de Lewes ■ Alexandro Makcane de Ardnamerchen • et Malcolmo
Makneill de Giaya / cum multis et diuersis aliis • Quam quidem cartam
[etc.] pro perpetuo confirmamus / Saluis nobis heredibus et successoribus
nostris juribus et seruiciis de dictis terris et baronia cum pertinenciis
ante presentem confirmacionem nobis debitis et consuetis / Et prouiso
eciam quod presens nostra confirmacio et donacio de dictis terris cum
pertinenciis quam de nobis habet dilecta consanguinea nostra Elizabeth
comitissa Rossie ad vitam sibi Elizabeth damnum aut prejudicium non
cedat durante toto tempore vite sue • In cujus rei [etc.] ■ Testibus [etc.] •
apud Edinburght quarto die mensis Februarij anno Domini millesimo
quadringeutesimo septuagesimo octauo / et regni nostri decimo nono •

Carta Johannis Domini Forbes super terris de Meikle Fyntre Blacktoun
Belwoss etc. ' (a.d. 1505.)

Jacobus etc. • Sciatis nos dedisse [etc.] dilecto consanguineo nostro Jo-
hanni Domino Forbes • totas et integras terras de Meikle Fyntre /
Blacktoun / Belwoss / molendinum de Kinedward / dimidiam partem ter-
rarum de Tullymald / terras de Litle Alethan cum suis pertinenciis • et
annuum redditum decern solidorum exeuntem et debitum de terris de
Edan / jacentes in baronia de Kinedward infra vicecomitatum nostrum
de Aberdene • Quequidem terre molendinum et annuus redditus cum suis
pertinenciis fuerunt quondam Alexandri Forbes militis proaui et prede-
cessoris dicti Johannis Domini Forbes / per hereditariam infeodacionera
cartam et sasinam dicto quondam Alexandro per quondam Johannem
Stewart Comitem Buchanie baronem de Kinedward desuper confectas /
cum confirmacione nobilissimi progenitoris nostri Jacobi Regis Primi / cujus
anime propicietur Deus / per cartam suam sub ipsius magno sigillo inde

' [From the Earl of Haddington's Collection of Charters, vol. i. p. 389, MS.]

488

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

secuta / prout nobis et consilij nostri dominis per prefatas infeodacionis
et confirmacionis cartas coram nobis et consilij nostri dominis ostensas
productas et perlectas clare constat • Et que terre molendinum et annuus
redditus cum pertinenclls fuerunt in manibus predecessorum nostrorum /
prout in manibus nostris existunt / a tempore decessus dicti quondam
Johannis Comitis Buchanie baronis de Kinedwart [etc.'] ■ Tenendas
[etcl dicto Johanni Domino Forbes et heredibus suis de nobis et succes-
soribus nostris Scotormn Regibus in feodo [etc.} • Reddendo inde annu-
atim {_etc.~\ tres sectas ad tria placita capitalia curie vicecomitatus nostri
de Aberdene • necnon wardam et releuium predictarum terrarum molen-
dini et annul redditus cum pertinenclls / et maritaglum / cum contlgerlnt •
In cujus rei [etc.] ■ Testibus [etc.'] ■ Apud Edinburgum primo die mensis
Decembris anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo quinto ■ et regni nostri
decimo octauo • ]

Manners.

GHAMRY.

^ HE church here had for tutelar Saint John Evan-
gelist, whose fair, once kept here, has been trans-
lated since to Banf.

Troup, belonging anciently to the
Troups of That Ilk, (of a branch of
whom, 'tis said, Van Tromp, the Dutch admiral,
was descended,') now to Gaerden of Troup, de-
scended of Gaerden of Banchory.

NoRTHFiELD, the Seat of Keith of Northfield.
PiTNACALDER, belonging to Forbes of Pitnacalder, a cadet of
Tolquhon.

[a description of the parish of GEMRIE. by MR. ALEXANDER HEPBURN.
A.D. M.DCC.XXI.^

1 he parish of Gemrie extends itself seven miles along the coast westward, even
to the river Divern, the border of Buthquhan. In it are the manners of Troup,

1 [The parson of Rothiemay, who was his contemporary, affirms that " Martin Harper-
son Trumpe, the admiral] of HoUande, was the sonne of a Scottish father, one Harper,
borne at Peeterheade, in Buchaine." (Gordon's History of Scots Affairs, vol. iii., p. 84.)]

2 [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— GAMERY. 489

belonging to Garden of Troup ; Northfield, belonging to Keith of Northfield ;
and Meiers ; likewise, the old ruinous mannor, called Cullen of Buthquhan. There
is a sea town called Down, situated near to the mouth of the river Divern, where
it falls into the North Frith, at the city of Bamff. On the south border of this
parish stands another mannor, called Byth, the residence of James Urquliart of
Byth. >

Assedacio decimarum garbalium ecclesie de Gamery / Patricio Stewart et
Isabelle sponse sue concessa • ^ (a.d. 1484.)

Nos Dauid abbas monasterij de Abberbrothok de vnanimi consensu
conuentus et capituli nostri [etc.'] assedamus dilecto nostro Patricio

• [" In Gamry was a battle of Danes, upon a very high promontory, called The Bloody
Pots to this day. Luchnot, on the sea side, is missed out in the parish of Gamry, about
two miles from Troup, where is an old castle." (Notes for Banf and Buchan, by Mr.
William Duncan, 1722, in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.)

" On the precipice, or brow of the hill, above the kirk of Gamrie, at the east end of one
of the most level and extensive plains in Buchan, are a number of vestiges of encampments,
which at this day are called by the name of ' bleedy pots,' or bloody pits." (Statistical
Account of Scotland, vol. i., p. 469.) See also The New Statistical Account of Scotland,
number xxxviii., pp. 282 — 284.

" Haud procul a Gemmere vico certaraen Danis infoelix nuUo perditarum rerum nuncio
ad naues redeunte est gestum. Extant immensi ossium cumuli eo in loco multorum ibidem
desideratorum testimonium." (H. Boetii Scot. Hist., lib. xi., f. 244.)

" There is an old ruin, on the farm of Pitgair, called Wallace Castle, with very thick
walls, standing on a knoll." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxviii.,
p. 284.)

" The Barclays de Tolly had their seat in old times at Cullen, in this parish, and their
burial place within the church, where there still remains a Latin inscription, in old charac-
ters, recording their name and interment." (Id. p. 285.) A descendant of the house,
William Barclay, M.D., thus notices its old domain at Cullen of Buchan: " Nam Collonia
(sic castrum vocatur in quo primum terram tetigi) sita est in littore quod ' tam vasto atque
aperto mari pulsatur.' Quo loco, ut obiter dicam, non pauca sunt vestigia veterum bello-
rum, cum Anglis praesertim. Est in eodem littore, in territorio gentis Barclayanae, portus
quidam, qui nostra lingua Auld-heauen appellatur." (C. Cornelii Taciti Opera qvae
exstant. Ad exemplar qvod I. Lipsivs qvintvm recensvit. Seorsim excvsi commentarii
eiusdem Lipsii meliores plenioresque cum curis secundis, et auctariolo non ante adiecto.
Gvil. Barclayvs praemetia quaedam ex vita Agricolae libauit, praemet. p. 561 . Parisiis,
1S99. 8vo.)]

- [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS. Between the years
1189 and 1198, King William the Lion granted to the monks of Arbroath the church of
Gameryn. See above, pp. 334 — 336. Between the years 1189 and 1199, Matthew

490 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Stewart et Isabelle sponse sue moderne suisque assignatis / dummodo
assignati illi de consensu nostro admittantur / omnes et singulas decimas
garbales ecclesie de Gamere • cum uniuersis et singulis suis pertinenciis •
connexis et annexis • pro termino triumdecem annorum plenarie et integre
complendorum [etcJ] ■ Soluens inde annuatim dictus Patricius et Isabella
[efc] summam quadraginta librarum usualis monete Scocie \_etc.'\ ■ Datum
sub sigillo communi capituli nostri apud idem capitulum • xxiij • die
mensis Junij • anno Domini • 1484 •

Pro Johanne de Bothuille •' (a.d. 1365.)

Dauid Dei gracia etc. Sciatis nos dedjsse [etc.'] / dilecto consanguineo
nostro • • Johanni de Bothuille decem libras sterlingorum et iiij""' celdras
frumenti annuatim nobis debitas de Thanagio de Dovne infra vicecomitatum
de Banf pro tempore vite sue [e^c] • • In cuius rei etc. Apud Dunde
vltimo die Julij anno regni nostri tricesimo ■ Septimo • ■

Carta Hugonis de Roos -^ (a.d. 1369.)

Dauid Dei gracia • • Rex • • Scottorum / Omnibus [etc.'] Sciatis nos
dedisse [etc.] I dilecto et fideli nostro Hugonj de Roos / ilium annuum
redditum / decem librarum / et quatuor celdrarum frumenti / nobis debi-
tum / siue exeuntem de terris de Dovne cum pertinenciis infra vicecomita-
tum de BanfFe ■ • Tenendum et habendum eidem Hugonj et Margarete
de Berclay sponse sue / ac eorum diucius viuenti / pro toto tempore vite
sue / libere quiete bene et in pace • • In cuius rei etc. ■ ■ Testibus etc. ■ ■
Apud Perthe • xxvj'" • die Februarij • • anno regni nostrj • • Quadra-
gesimo • •

Bishop of Aberdeen confirmed to the same monks the grant which had been made to them
of the church of Gameryn, " cum capella de Trub." The same church and chapel were
confirmed to the same monies by Bishop John, between the years 1199 and 1207: by
Bishop Adam, between the years 1207 and 1228; and by the chapter of Aberdeen, be-
tween the years 1239 and 1247. (Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.)

On the twelfth of February, 1226, King Alexander II. confirmed to the monks of
Kinlos three bovates of land, called Lethenoth, between the church of Gamerin and Trup,
by the sea, which had been gifted to them by Robert Corbeth : " Et ex dono Robert! Cor-
beth tres bovatas terre inter ecclesiam de Gamerin et Trup juxta mare scilicet Lethenoth
per rectas divisas suas cum communi pasture et omnibus alijs aisiamentis ad predictam ter-
ram juste pertinentibus." (Registrum Episcopatus Moraviensis, p. 458.)]

1 [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 52.] ^ [From the same, p. 63.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— GAMERY. 491

Confirmacio Hugonis de Roos de Kynfavnys •' (a.d. 1378.)

Robertas Dei gracia Rex Scottoruni • Omnibus etc. • Sciatis nos dedisse
[etc.'] dilecto consanguineo nostro Hugoni de Roos de Kynfavnys pro suo
seruicio nobis impenso et impendendo ilium annuum redditum deeem
librarum sterlingorum et quatuor celdrarum frumenti • nobis debitum •
siue exeuntem / de terris de Doune cum pertinenciis • infra vicecomitatum
de Banffe • Tenendum et habendum dicto Hugoni et Mergarete sponse
sue • et eorum alteri diucius viuentj • et heredibus dicti Hugonis • de
nobis [e^c] In cuius rei [e^c] apud Metbfene primo die Junij • anno
regni nostri • Octauo ■

Carta pro Domino Johanne Lyonna -^ (a.d. 1382.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum ■ etc. ■ Sciatis nos dedisse [etc.']
dilecto filio nostro Johanni Lyonna militi ilium annuum redditum quatuor
celdrarum frumenti • et decem libras sterlingorum ■ exeuntem de terris de
Doune cum pertinenciis • infra vicecomitatum de Banffe • Qui quidem an-
nuus redditus nos contingit racione escaete pro eo quod Hugo de Rosse
ipsum annuum redditum alienauit Andree de Berclay nostra licencia ad
hoe non optenta • [etc.'] In cuius rei etc. ■ Testibus etc. ■ Apud Kyn-
drocht penultimo die Augusti • anno regni nostri duodecimo •

Confirmacio carte pro Johanne de Kethe de Troup • ^ (a.d. 1413.)
Robertus dux Albanie comes de Fife et de Menteth ac regni Scocie guber-
nator • Omnibus [etc.'] sciatis nos quamdam cartam dilecti fratris nostri
Roberti de Keth militis Marescalli Scocie factam et concessam • dilecto
consanguineo nostro Johanni de Kethe ■ filio suo • [etc.'] intellexisse ad

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, pp. 147, 153.]

- [From the same, p. 165.]

3 [From the same, p. 251. See also pp. 223 — 225. In a roll of missing charters
of King David II. is " Carta to Andrew Buttergask, of the barony of Troupe, in vice-
comitatu de Bamfe." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 53.) Among those accused
of treason in " The Black Parliament," at Scone, in August, 1320, were " Domini
Eustachius de Maxwel, Walterus de Berclay, vicecomes de Abirdonia, et Patricius de
Grahame, milites ; Hamelinus de Troupe, et Eustachius de Retreven, armigeri." (J.
Forduni Scotichronicon, lib. xiii. c. I ; Lord Hailes' Annals of Scotland, vol. ii., p. 96.
Edinb. 1779. 4to.)]

492 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

plenum in hec uerba • Omnibus banc cartam visuris uel audituris Robertus
de Keth dominus eiusdem et baronie de Troup • Marescallus Scocie ■ sa-
lutem in Domino sempiternam • Sciatis nos • dedisse • [e^c] ■ dilecto filio
nostro • Johanni de Keth • totas et integras terras nostras dicte baronie
de Troup cum pertinenciis • iacentes infra vicecomitatum de Banf ■ Tenen-
das [etc.'] dicto Johanni ■ et heredibus suis masculis de corpore suo legitime
procreandis • quibus forte deficientibus Alexandro de Kethe filio nostro et
heredibus suis masculis de corpore suo legitime procreandis • quibus forte
deficientibus heredibus mascuHs dicti Alexandri cognomen et arma de Kethe
portantibus quibuscunque • de nobis et heredibus nostris Marescallis Scocie
in feodo [e<c.] cum bondis • bondagiis • natiuis et eorum sequelis [etc.] ■
Faciendo inde domino nostro Regi [etc.] forinsecum seruicium quantum
pertinet ad dictas terras cum pertinenciis • et nobis • et heredibus nostris •
Marescallis Scocie • tres sectas curie ad tria placita nostra capitalia an-
nuatim tenenda infra terras dicte baronie de Troup • [etc.] Reseruatis
tamen nobis et heredibus nostris • Marescallis Scocie • superioritate et
seruicio liberetenencium terrarum de Achorthi de Curvi ac de Hayninghil
iacencium infra baroniam de Troup antedictam • In cuius rei testimonium
presenti carte nostre sigillum nostrum est appensum apud Aberdene •
secundo die mensis Junii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tercio-
decimo • hiis testibus reuerendo in Xpo patre Domino Gilberto Episcopo
Aberdonense cancellario Scocie • nobili et potente domino Domino Alex-
andro comite de Marre et de Garuiach • Dominis Henrico de Prestone
et Alexandro de Keth • fratre nostro • militibus • Willelrao de Keth
filio nostro carissimo • et Alexandro de Irwine domino de Drum cum
multis aliis • Quam quidem cartam [etc.] per omnia approbamus [etc.] In
cuius rei [etc.] apud Perth xx° • die Juhi anno Domini m° • cccc™" •
terciodecimo • et gubernacionis nostre • octauo • ]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— FYVIE.

493

FYVIE.

YVIE, dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle, ' has
two silver chalices, one gifted by the parishoners.
and another by Jane, late Countess of Dum-
fermling.

Besides the Virgin Mary's Priory '' and prioiy and
Church here, ther wer two chappells: Church.

Saint Paul's, at Easterton. ^ Two chap-

Saint Rule's, at Mickle-Folla, called therefor Folla- p*^'^
Rule. ^ Follach, in Irish, is a place inaccessible, because of
mosses, such as this well nigh is.

GiGHT, the seat of Gordon of Gight ; the heiress of which Mannors

' [" The parish church of Fyvie was dedicated to St. Peter, the memory of which is
still preserved in the name of Peterswell, in the immediate vicinity." (The New Statistical
Account of Scotland, number sxviii., p. 327. Edinb. 1840.)]

2 [See above, pp. 192—200.]

3 [" The vestiges of a chapel are still to be seen on the south side of the hill of Easter-
town, beside a well called St. Paul's Well, which was long much resorted to by the people
of this and the surrounding parishes, and the favour of the saint sought by casting a small
offering into the well." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., pp.
317, 328.) " The vestiges of another chapel are to be seen on the farm of Fetterletter,
on the estate of Gight ; and probably there was one on the farm of St. John's Well, on
the farm of Minonie, although no traces of it now remain. In a field there, there are two
sainted springs, one dedicated to St. John, the other to St. Catherine." (Id.) " There is a
cairn on the outskirts of the farm of St. John's Well, known by the name of Cairnchedly.
In digging about it, small earthen urns are frequently found, in all directions, for a consider,
able distance." (Id., p. 331.)]

< [" The chapel of St. Rule, at Folia, or Folia-Rule, was founded, in 1376, by Adam
Pyngil, burgess of Aberdeen, with consent of Marjory Blackvatyr, his spouse. It was
endowed with the lands of Folethrowle, which the founder acquired in 1364 from Hugh de
Ross, Lord of PUorth, and brother of William Earl of Ross, and with the mill and mul-
tures of Folethrowle. The foundation charter was confirmed by King Robert II., in
1379." {Id., p. 328.) Orem, who wrote about the year 1725, says," the vestiges of this
chapel are yet to be seen in the in-town land of Meikle-Fallow." (Description of the
Chanonry of Old Aberdeen, p. 87, edit. Aberd. 1791. 8vo.)]

3 R

494 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

family being married to Davidson of Newton, younger, his son,
under the name of Gordon, is now possessor of Gight. '

Ardlogie, belonging to Gordon of Gight.

Crichie, formerly belonging to the Grants of Crichie.

Fyvie Castle, the seat of the Earl of Dumferraling, a great
house, built by the first Earl,^ who was chanceler under King
James VI. It belonged of old to the Meldrums,' who obtained
it, under King James I., by marrying one of the coheiresses
of Sir Henry Preston of Formartin ; and ther is a part of
the old work there still called The Preston's Tower, because built
by them.''

' [" Gight Castle, the ancient seat of the family of Gordon of Gight, is now a ruin, but,
with its surrounding scenery, a very beautiful and picturesque one. It stands on the north
bank of the Ythan, about four miles and a half east of the parish church. The valley of the
river on both sides is clothed with fine wood. This estate, now the property of the Earl
of Aberdeen, formerly belonged to the maternal ancestors of the late Lord Byron. It
was sold soon after the marriage of his mother, who was the heiress. The burial place of
the family is in the parish churchyard." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, num-
ber xxviii., pp. 330, 325.) See Mr. Moore's Life of Lord Byron.]

2 [Third son of George sixth Lord Seton ; appointed President of the Court of Session
in 1593 ; created Lord Fyvie in 1598 ; Lord Chancellor in 1604 ; Earl of Dunfermline in
1605 ; died at Pinkie House on the sixteenth of June, 1622. He acquired the lands of Fyvie
by purchase from the family of Meldrum in 1596. See Crawfurd's Lives of the Officers of
State, pp. 155 — 157 ; Scot of Scotstarvet's Staggering State of Scots Statesmen, pp.
16 — 18; The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., pp. 323,324 ; Brunton
and Haig's Catalogue of the Senators of the College of Justice.]

3 [A.D. 1544. " Ane vailyeant and wyse gentle man. Sir George Meldrum ot
Fyvie, knycht," was sent on an embassy to Boulogne in France, then besieged by the
King of England in person. (Bishop Lesley's History of Scotland, p. 187. Edinb.
1830. 4to.)]

4 [« Fyvie Castle, an extensive and venerable pile, consists of two sides of a square of
turreted architecture. The south east wing, still called The Preston Tower, must have
been erected about the year 1400. The south wing has in front a tower called The Seton
Tower, with the arms of that family cut in freestone over the gate : the old iron door
still remains, consisting of huge interlacing bars, fastened by immense iron bolts,
drawn out of the wall on either side. The south west part of the castle is called The
Meldrum Tower." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., pp.
330, 331.)]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF—FYVIE. 495

[DESCRirTION OF THE PARISH OF FYVIE. BY MK. ALEXANDER HEPBURN.
A.D. M.DCC.XXI. '

From Turriff to the south-east lyes the parish of Fyvie. The river Ithan runs
tlirow the middle of this parish, and divides Buthquhan, on the south and south-
west, from The Garioch. In Buthquhan, on the river side, stands the palace of
Fyvie, at present in the possession of the Marquis of Twedale. At a miles dis-
tance to the east, is the parish kirk.^ A mile farther, is the mannor of Ardlogie,
the joynture house of the dowager of Gight. From which, three miles to the
north-east, is the castle of Gight, the residence of Davidson of Gight.

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PARISH OP FIVIE. BY MR. WILLIAM WALKER-
A.D. M.DCC.XXIII.3

-L he parish of Fivie, in the shire of Aberdeen, is bordered on the west with
Auchterless parish ; on the south, with the parish of Rain, and a part of the parish
of Old Meldi'um ; on the east, with the parishes of Tarves and Methlick ; on the
north, with Monwhitter, and a part of the parish of Turreff.

The church is in the midle of the parish. The principall seats are the castle of
Fivie, on the east side the river of Ithan ; the castle of Gight ; the houses of
Crighie, and Ardlogie.

The castle of Gight is an ancient house, possest by the Gordons of Gight.

There is a bridge over Ithan, within half a mile from Fivie, at the Lewis of
Fivie, which is an inn.

Crighie house belong'd formerly to the Grants.

Ardlogie belongs to the Gordons of Gight.

About a mile and a half north-east from the church, there is an old village,
called Woodhead of Fetter Letter, where is a stone tolbooth and a stone cross,
and where in old times stood severall yearly mercats.

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [" About the middle of the churchyard is the grave of the humble heroine of the
pathetic Scotish ballad of ' Tiftie's Bonnie Annie.' The original tombstone having become
decayed, Mi-. Gordon of Fyvie, a few years ago, caused a new one to be placed upon it, a

facsimile in every respect. The name of the unfortunate damsel was Agnes Smyth."
(The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 323.) See Jamieson's Popular
Ballads and Songs, vol. i., pp. 126—134; vol. ii., pp. 382—387. Edinb. 1806, Svo. ;
A. Laing's Thistle of Scotland, pp. 55—68. Aberd. 1823, Svo. ; P. Buchan's Gleanings
of Scarce Old Ballads, pp. 98—105, 197. Peterhead, 1823, Svo. ; Motherwell's Minstrelsy,
Ancient and Modern, pp. 239 — 251, introd. pp. Ixxxv., Ixxxvi. Glasg. 1S27, 4to. ; R.
Chambers' Scotish Ballads, pp. 137—143. Edinb. 1829, Svo.]

3 [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

496 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

The course of the water of Ithan from Towie to Fivie is east ; from Fivie to The
Peath of Mininie, (which is a precipice two miles distant from Fivie,) north-east
two miles. By the house of Gight is a wood two miles in length, on the north of
Ithan, and south side of Gight ; and on the south side of the water, is the wood of
Mininie, belonging to the Lairds of Tochon.

Carta de ecclesia de Fyuyn.' (1189 — 1196.)

. 'W • Dei gracia Rex Scotorum • episcopis • abbatibus • comitibus •
baronibus • justiciariis • vicecomitibus ■ prepositis • ministris • et omnibus
probis hominibus tocius terre sue • clericis et laicis • Salutem ■ Sciant pre-
sentes et futuri rae • dedisse • et concessisse • et hac carta mea confirmasse ■
Deo • et ecclesie Sancti Thome de Abirbroth • et monachis ibidem Deo ser-
uientibus • ecclesiam de Fyuyn • cum capellis • terris ■ et decimis ■ et ob-
lacionibus omnimodis • et cum coramuni pastura • et aliis aisiamentis • et
omnibus aliis ad predictam ecclesiam iuste pertinentibus • Tenendam in
liberam • et quietam • et perpetuam • elimosinam • Ita libere • et quiete ■
plenarie ■ et honorifice • sicut aliqua elimosina in toto regno meo • libe-
rius ■ quiecius ■ plenius • et honorificencius • tenetur et possidetur • Tes-
tibus • Matheo episcopo Abirdonensi • Ricardo episcopo Morauiensi .
Hugone cancellario meo • Roberto et Radulpho capellanis meis • Comite
Dunecano • Comite Gilleberto • Roberto de Londoniis • Willelmo de
Moreuilla constabulario • Alano filio Walteri dapifero • Malcolmo filio
Comitis Dunecani ■ Willelmo Cumyn • Willelmo de Haya • Roberto de
Berchelai ■ Radulfo Rufo • Adam de Syreis • Hereberto marescallo • Apvd
Munros •

' [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS. On the third of May,
1489, Sir Alexander Lychtouii, a priest of the diocese of Aberdeen, is presented to the
twelve mark vicarage of the parish church of Fyvy, vacant by the death of Sir Thomas
Cranno, otherwise Vatson. On the twenty-ninth of January, 1499, Sir Andrew Paniter,
a priest of the diocese of St. Andrews, is presented to the same vicarage, vacant by the
death of Sir Alexander Lychtoun. Ibid.

" In the year 1616, Alexander, Earl of Dunfermline, had a charter from King
James VI., uniting the rectory and vicarage of Fyvie into one benefice, and conferring on
him the advocation, donation, and right of patronage of the parish church ; since which
time the patronage of the benefice has gone with the Fyvie property." (The New Sta-
tistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 328.)]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— FYVIE. 497

Assedacio terrarum de Ardlogy Johanni Troup concessa • ' (a.d. 1 462.)

Uniuersls et singulis ad quorum noticiam presentes littere peruenerint /'
Malcomus permissione diuina Abbas monasterii Sancti Thome Martiris de
Abyrbrocht ■ et eiusdem loci conuentus • Salutem in omnium Saluatore •
Sciatis nos [efc] assedasse et ad firmam dimississe dilectis nostris Johanni
Troup et Jonete sponse sue / pro toto tempore vite eorundem • ac eorum
diucius viuenti / totas et integras terras nostras de Ardlogy cum pertinenciis
[etc.'] Soluendo inde annuatim [etc.'] custodi domus nostre de Fyue et
monachis ibidem Deo seruientibus et seruituris / sex libras usualis monete
regni Scocie [etc.] i cum omnibus aliis oneribus husbandorum inde debitis et
consuetis • In cuius rei testimonium sigillum commune capituli nostri pre-
sentibus est appensum / apud monasterium nostrum predictum / decimo die
mensis Nouembris • anno Domini • millesimo quadringentisimo sexagesimo
secundo •

Assedacio terrarum infra burgum de Fywy Johanni Trovp et Jonete
sponse sue concessa •' (a.d. 1465.)

Vniuersis pateat per presentes / nos Malcomum permissione diuina Ab-
batem monasterii Sancti Thome Martyris de Aberbrotboc / et eiusdem
loci conuentum / vnanimi consensu et assensu capituli nostri • assedasse
[etc.] dilectis nostris Johanni Trovp / et Jonete sponse sue moderne i
pro toto tempore vite sue / et eorum diucius viuenti • omnes terras
nostras infra burgum de Fyvy et extra infra libertatem dicti burgi nobis
et monasterio nostro antedictis pertinentes • Soluendo inde annuatim [etc.]
sex solidos et octo denarios vsualis monete regni Scocie [etc.] In cuius
rei [etc.] apud monasterium nostrum predictum / decimo die mensis Octo-
bris • anno Domini millesimo • cccc° • sexagesimo quinto •

Assedacio garbarum decimalium de Fywe ■' (circa a.d. 1475.)

Uniuersis pateat per presentes nos Dauid Abbatem monasterii de Aber-
brotboc vnanimi consensu et assensu conuentus et capituli nostri [etc.]
assedasse [etc.] honorabili viro • Willelmo Meldrum de Fywey • et

' [From the Registnim Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

498 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Elizabeth sponse sue moderne • eorumque diucius viuenti et suis assig-
natis / ita quod illi assignati de consensu nostro admittantur / omnes
et singulas deeimas garbales villarum de Fiwe • Mekle Gurdas • Lytil
Gurdas • Comalowne • Haldouch • Sauchok • cum molendino et aliis ius-
tis suis pertinenciis eisdem villis pertinere valentibus / prout idem Willel-
mus temporibus retroactis gauisus est / pro terminis quindecim annorum
plenarie complendorum [etcl Soluendo inde annuatim [etc.'] viginti libras
vsualis monete regni Scocie [e^c] Apud idem capitulum • xxi • die mensis
Junii anno Domini

Carta pro Willelmo comite Sutherlandie •' (a.d. 1365.)

Dauid Dei gracia etc. Omnibus [etc.'] Sciatis nos dedisse [etc.] / dilecto
et fideli nostro Willelmo comiti Suthirlandie pro homagio et seruicio
suo totam illam medietatem thaynagii nostri de Fermartine cum pertin-
enciis infra vicecomitatum de Abirdene quam nunc habet et quam eidem
alias coucessimus pro tempore vite sue • Tenendam [etc.] in feodo et
hereditate in liberam baroniam [etc.] / cum tenendis et seruiciis libere-
tenenciura cum bondis bondagiis natiuis et eorum sequelis / [etc.] i

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 32. See also Sir Robert Gordon's Genealogi-
cal History of the Earldom of Sutherland, pp. 51 — 54 ; Robertson's Index to the Charters,
pp. 39, 63, 66, 80.

In a roll of missing charters by King Robert I. is " Carta to Sir John Broun, knight, of
the thanedome of Fromartine, in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen." (Robertson's Index to the
Charters, p. 17.)

In a roll of missing charters by King David II. are " Carta to Mauld Bruce, sister to the
King, of the lands of Fromerteine, and thanage of Kintore ;" — " Carta to Rannald More,
chalmerlan, of the lands of Formerteine, Akintor, Oboyn," eic. (Robertson's Index to the
Charters, pp. 36, 53.)

In a roll of missing charters by King Robert I. are " Carta Alexandri Coci, of the lands
of the two Culmalows, in the thanage of Frawmartin ;" — " Carta to Philip Meldrum, of the
lands of Crichmelade, Chreichen Ade, and Chreichen Walter, in thanagio de Fromertein,
vicecomitatu de Aberdeen ;" — " Carta Patricii de Montealto, the office of Forestership de
Killanel! et Fromerteine ;" — " Carta Thome Brisbane, of the lands of Little Rothy, vice-
comitatu de Aberdeen ;" — " Carta Marie Cuming, spous to Edmond Cuming, of Gillettna-
chis and Sauchope, with the mylne, etc., in thanagio de Fromertin." (Robertson's Index to
the Charters, pp. 2, 16, 17.) In the year 1449, John of Fiffe, the collector of the King's
rents in the shires of Aberdeen and Banff, accounts in exchequer for thirty-six shillings of
rent of the third part of the lands of Rothybrisbane, which belonged to the widow of John
Duncan, and are now in ward. (Pinkerton's History of Scotland, vol. i., p. 484.)]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— FYVIE. 499

Faciendo \_etc,'] quatuor sectas curie vicecomitis nostri de Aberdene ad
quatuor placita nostra cappitalia infra dictum vicecomitatum tenenda •
Et volumus expresse quod heredes dicti comitis supradicti nobis et here-
dibus nostris ad wardam et releuium inperpetuum teneantur • In cuius
rei [etc.] Apud Dunde • peuultimo die Julij • • anno regni nostri Tri-
cesimo • • Septimo • •

Carta pro Domino Henrico de Prestoune milite • ' (a,d. 1390.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum • Omnibus [etc.'] Sciatis nos dedisse
[etc.] dilecto et tideli nostro Henrico de Prestoune militi • pro redempcione
Domini Radulphi de Percy militis Anglici • et pro seruicio ipsius Henrici
nobis impenso et pro toto tempore vite sue impendendo • omnes terras nos-
tras baronie de Fermartyn cum pertinenciis • infra vicecomitatum de
Abirdene • villa de Fyvy cum castro eiusdem et custumis pertinentibus ad
eandem villam / terris de Mykilgurdnes • et quinque marcatis terrarum de
Parkhille • vna cum tenandis et tenandriis ejusdem baronie duntaxat ex-
ceptis ■ quas vero prenominatas terras [etc.] carissimus consanguineus nos-
ter • Jacobus de Lyndesay • miles • non vi aut metu ductus [etc.] nobis per
fustem et baculum sursura reddidit pureque et simpliciter resignauit [etc.]
Tenendas [etc.] dicto Henrico et heredibus suis de nobis et heredibus
nostris in vnam integram et liberam baroniam in feodo et hereditate ■ cum
furca et fossa • sok et sak / telle et them / infangandthef et outfangandthef /
cum aduocacione ecclesiarum si que sint / cum bondis bondagiis et na-
tiuis et eorum sequelis / cum curiis et earum exitibus [etc.] ■ Reddendo inde
nobis et heredibus nostris / dictus Henricus et heredes sui quolibet anno im-
perpetuum • tres sectas curie ad tria placita capitalia in curia nostra vice-
comitatus de Abirdene • tantum pro omni alio seruicio [etc.] ■ In cuius rei
testimonium presenti carte nostre • nostrum precepimus apponi sigillum •
Testibus / venerabilibus in Christo patribus ■ Waltero et Matheo • Sancti
Andree et Glasguensis ecclesiarum episcopis • Roberto de Fif et de
Meneteth • fratre nostre dilecto • Archebaldo de Douglas domino Galuydie
consanguineo nostro comitibus • Johanne de Dunbar comite Morauie /
Dauid de Lyndesay de Glenesk / fratribus nostris • Thoma de Erskyne
consanguineo nostro • Roberto de Kethe miUtibus • et Alexandre de Cokburn

' [From the original in the charter room at Fyvie Castle, collated with a copy in the
Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 183.]

500 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

de Langtoun custode magni sigilli nostri • apud Edynburghe vicesimo

octauo die Septembris • Anno regni nostri Prime ■

Scriptum et extractum pro vera copia de registro per me Johannem de
Scheues clericum rotulorum et registri excellentissimi Principls ac do-
mini Domini Jacobi Dei gracia Regis Scocie illustrissimi • per nobilem
virum Johannem de Forbas dominum de Tulchoue instanter requisi-
tum • sub mei sigilli appensione et mei signi manualis testimonio apud
Sanctum Andreum vicesimo none die mensis Maii anno Domini mille-
simo quadringentesimo tricesimo tercio •

I Scheues

Carta Domini Jacobi de Lyndesay / de terris de Mikill Gurdeness et

Parkhill • ' (1390—1397.)
Omnibus banc cartam visuris vel audituris • Jacobus de Lyndesay do-
minus de Buchan / et de Crawford / Salutem in Domino sempiternam •
Noueritis nos dedisse [e<c.] dilecto et fideli nostro / Domino Henrico de
Prestoun militi / et dilecte sorori nostre Domine Elisabeth • spouse sue •
et eorum diucius viuenti / omnes terras nostras de Mikill Gurdeness / et
quinque marcatas terre del Parkhill cum pertinenciis iacentes in baronia
de Fermartyn infra vicecomitatum de Abirdene • Que quidem terre \_etc.']
fuerunt quondam dicti Domini Henrici • et quas [e^c] idem Dominus
Henricus / non vi aut metu ductus [cic] nobis per fustem et baculum
sursum reddidit / [eic] Tenendas et habendas \_etc.'] prefatis Domino Hen-
rico et Domine Elisabeth sponse sue et eorum diucius viuenti / et here-
dibus inter eosdem legitime procreatis seu procreandis / quibus forsan de-
ficientibus veris heredibus dicti Domini Henrici quibuscunque / de nobis et
heredibus nostris in feodo et hereditate imperpetuum \_etc.'] ■ Faciendo
inde annuatim / [e<c.] nobis et heredibus nostris tres sectas curie / ad
tria placita nostra capitalia tenenda apud Fyvyn • pro omni alio seruicio
seculari [e^c] ■ In cuius rei testimonium • presenti carte nostre sigiUum
nostrum est appensum • Hiis testibus venerabile in Christo patre • Domino
Gilberto Dei gracia Episcopo Aberdonensi • carissimo patre nostro Domino
Willelmo de Keth Marescallo Scocie / Dominis Roberto de Keth fratre
nostro dilecto • Alexandre Frasser vicecomite de Abirdene • Johanne de
Remorgeny • militibus ■ Laurencio de Leth • Willelmo de Camera ■ et
multis aliis •

' [From the original in the charter room at Fyvie Castle.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— FYVIE. 501

Conuencio inter Dominam Mergaretam de Lyndesay et Dominum Henri-
cum de Prestoun super castro de Fyvy ■' (a.d. 1403.)

In Dei nomine Amen • Per presens publicum instrumentum cunctis pateat
euidenter / quod anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo secundo • Indic-
tione • xi^ • pontificatus sanctissimi in Christo patris domini Benedicti
diuina prouidencia pape decimi tercii anno nono • quarta die mensis Fe-
bruarii ■ in reuestiario Beati Nicliolai de Abirdene • In mei notarii publici et
subscriptorum presencia personaliter constituti nobilis domina Mergareta ■
vna heredum et senior tilia bone memorie quondam Domini Jacobi de Lyndi-
say militis domini de Bouchan / et sponsa quondam domini Thome Coluill
nuper defuncti • in sua viduitate esistens aetrix ex parte vna • Et nobilis vir
Dominus Henricus de Preston miles dominus de Fremartin reus ex altera ■
vnanimi consensu compromiserunt et se submiserunt summarie et de piano
declaracioni et determinacioni nobilis et potentis domini Domini Willelmi do
Keth Marescalli Scocie et consilii sui tunc presentis / de omnibus contro-
uersiis contencionibus et debatis motis et mouendis super iure et proprie-
tate castri de Fyvy cum pertinenciis / prout in carta Domini Henrici ante-
dicti plenius continetur • et de ratihabicione ambe partes per manus dextras
in manu dicti Domini Willelmi de Keth corporalem fidem prestiterunt •
Carte vero antedicte tenor sequitur et est talis ■ • Omnibus banc cartam
visuris vel audituris / Thomas Coluil miles tilius et heres domini Robert!
Coluil • dominus de Oxinhame • et Mergareta sponsa mea • Salutem in Do-
mino sempiternam • Noueritis nos vnanimi consensu et assensu dedisse
[etc.^ necnon titulo vendicionis dimisisse dilectis nostris Domino Henrico
de Preston militi domino de Fremartin • et Domine Elisabeth sponse sue et
eorum diucius viuenti • totam partem nostram dominii et baronie de Fre-
martin / infi'a vicecomitatum de Abirden • videlicet • de castro et burgo de
Fyvy • cum toloneiis et burgi firmis ■ ac cum omnibus et singulis tenentibus ■
et tenandriis ■ et seruiciis liberetenencium quibuscunque • ad dictum castrum
burgum et baroniam spectantibus seu quoquomodo spectare valentibus in
futurum • Que fuerunt quondam nobilis viri Domini Jacobi de Lyndisay
domini earundem • patris predicte Mergarete vxoris mee • et que michi
racione dicte vxoris mee pertinere noscuntur • pro centum libris sterlingo-
rum nobis per dictum Dominum Henricum in nostra necessitate solutis et

' [From the original in the charter room at Fyvie Castle. See Robertson's Index to the
Charters, p. 148.]

502 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

in vsus nostros plene conuersis • Tenendam et habendam totam dictam par-
tem nostram ■ eidem Domino Henrico et Domine Elisabeth sponse sue • et
eorum diucius viuenti ■ et heredibus inter eosdem legitime procreatis seu
procreandis ■ quibus forsan deficientibus veris heredibus et assignatis dicti
Domini Henrici • a nobis et heredibus nostris ■ de domino nostro Rege in
feodo et hereditate imperpetuum [etc.'] ■ Faciendo inde domino nostro Regi
[etc.'] seruicium debitum et consuetum \_etc.'] • In cuius rei testimonium
sigilla nostra huic present! carte nostra apponi fecimus / apud Edinbrugh
duodecimo die mensis Junii • anno Domini millesimo trecentesimo nonage-
simo septimo • Hiis testibus venerabili in Christo patre Gilberto Dei gracia
Episcopo Abirdonensi et cancellario Scocie • Waltero Senescalli domino
de Breichin • Dauid Lindisay domino de Glenesk • Roberto Logane domi-
no de Restalryke ■ Johanne de Krichton • Johanne de Johnstoun • Johanne
de Ramorgeni • Roberto Wigmar ■ et Willelmo de Dalyel / militibus ■ Ro-
berto Maxuell • Adam Froster • Johanne de Turribus • et Johanne de
Strathawyn • et multis aliis ■ • Quibus sic peractis • visa carta cum muni-
mentis dictum negocium concernentibus • auditisque hinc inde allegacioni-
bus et partis vtriusque racionibus • habita prius deliberacione matura ■
dictus Dominus Willelmus de Keth cum dicto consilio suo ordinauit • de-
terminauit • et declarauit • dictum Dominum Henricum plenum ius ad
dictum castrum cum pertinenciis habuisse • et habere • et raciones allega-
cionesque per dictam Dominam Mergaretam contra cartam et alia muni-
menta Domini Henrici oppositas non valere • De quibus sic peractis dictus
Dominus Henricus petiit per me notarium publicum sibi fieri publicum in-
strumentum • Presentibus reuerendo in Christo patre Gilberto Episcopo
Abii'donensi et cancellario Scocie • venerabili patre Abbate de Deere •
Johanne Eraser de Forglen • Patricio de Crauford • et Willelmo de Came-
ra / armigeris • magistro Thoma Trayle ■ magistro Willelmo de Camera •
et domino Willelmo Lange / canonicis ecclesie Abirdonensis • testibus ad
premissa vocatis specialiter et rogatis •

Et ego Thomas de Edinham clerlcus Abirdonensis diocesis publicus
auctoritate Imperiali notarius \_etc.'\ ■

Confirmacio carte Domini Johannis Herys de Trareglys ■' (a.d. 1405.)

Robertus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum • Omnibus [e<c.] • Sciatis nos quan-
dani cartam Johannis Herys de Trareglys militis • et Eufemie sponse

' [From the original in the charter room at Fyvie Castle. See Robertson's Index
to the Charters, p. 149.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— FYVIE. 503

sue ■ factara et concessam dilecto et fideli nostro Henrico de Prestoun de
Formartyn mlliti • et Elizabeth sponse sue • et eorum diucius viuenti • de
tota parte sua dominii et baronie de Formartyne / infra vicecomitatum
de Abirdene [efc] / intellexisse ad plenum in hec verba • • Omnibus banc
cartam visuris vel audituris Johannes Herys miles dominus de Trareg-lys •
et Eufemia sponsa mea • salutem in Domino sempiternam ■ Noueritis nos
vnanimi consensu et assensu dedisse [etc.^ i nee non titulo vendicionis
dimislsse • dilectis nostris Domino Henrico de Prestoun militi / domino de
Fermartyne • et Domino Elizabeth sponse sue • et eorum diucius viuenti •
totam partem nostram dominii et baronie de Fermartyne infra vicecomi-
tatum de Abirdene [etc. ut suj)ra, p. 501.] Que frierunt quondam nobilis
viri Domini Jacobi de Lyndisay domini earundem ■ patris predicte Eufemie
vxoris mee • et que michi racione dicte vxoris mee pertinere noscuntur •
pro sexaginta libris sterlingorum [etc. ut supra, pp. 501, 502.] • • Quam
quidem cartam [e<c.] in omnibus et per omnia approbamus \_etc.'] Saluo
seruicio nostro • In cuius rei testimonium presenti carte nostre confir-
macionis / nostrum precepimus apponi sigillum • Testibus reuerendis in
Christo patribus Henrico Episcopo Sancti Andree • Gilberto Episcopo
Abirdonensi cancellario nostro • Roberto duce Albanie comite de Fyf
et de Menteth fratre nostro germane • Dauid de Lyndesay comite de Crau-
forde • Jacobo de Douglas de Dalketh • et Dauid Flemyng de Bycars /
militibus • apud Perth prime die mensis Septembris / anno Domini mil-
lesimo quadringentesimo quinto • et regni nostri anno sexto decimo •

Scriptum et extractum pro vera copia de registro per me Johannem de
Scheues • clericum rotulorum et registri excellentissimi Principis
ac domini Domini Jacobi Dei gracia Regis Scocie illustrissimi • per
nobilem virum Johannem de Forbas dominum de Tulchone instanter
requisitum • sub mei sigilli appensione et mei signi manualis testimo-
nio • apud Sanctum Andream vicesimo nono die mensis Maii ■ anno
. Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo tercio •

I Scheues

Carta Georgii Meldrum •' (a.d. 1503.)

Jacobus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum • Omnibus [e<c.] • Sciatis nos dedisse
[e<c.] dilecto nostro Georgeo Meldrum filio et apparenti heredi Willelmi

' [From the original in the charter room at Fyvie Castle.

On the first of July, 1494, " the lordis of consale decrettis and deliueris that Alexander

504 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Meldrum de Fivee / totas et integras terras et baroniam de Formartyne cum
tenentibus tenandriis et liberetenencium seruiciis eorundem / castrum et
fortalicium de Fivee / villam et burgum de Fivee / cum firrais burgalibus
et annuis redditibus eiusdem cum pertinenciis / terras de Mekill Gurdess et
molendinum earundem / Blachree / Badichale / terras foreste de Kynnawale /
finem silve uulgariter leWodend / Litill Gurdess / le Common Lone / Haldaw /
Derley / Petty cum molendino eiusdem / le Stratht et brasina eiusdem /
dimidietatem terrarum de Park de Five / terras de Jakstoun / le Estirtoun /
Sauchak cum molendino eiusdem cum pertinenciis / iacentes infra viceco-
mitatum nostrum de Abirdene ■ Que quidem terre [etc.'] fuerunt dicti
Willelmi hereditarie et quas ipse non vi aut metu ductus nee errore
lapsus [etc.'] simpliciter resignauit [etc.] • Tenendas et habendas [etc.]
Reddendo inde annuatim [etc.] nobis et successoribus nostris tres sectas
ad tria placita capitalia vicecomitatus nostri de Abirdene / vna cum wardis
releuiis et maritagiis cum contigerint / reseruatis prius reseruatis / In
cuius rei testimonium presenti carte nostre magnum sigillura nostrum
apponi precepimus • Testibus reuerendissimo in Christo patre nostroque
carissimo fratre Jacobo Sancti Andree Archiepiscopo et cancellario nostro •
reuerendo in Christo patre Willelmo Episcopo Aberdonensi nostri se-
creti sigilli custode • dilectis consanguineis nostris Archibaldo comite
de Ergile domino Campbele et Lorn magistro hospicii nostri / Patricio
comite de Boithulle domino Halis etc i Alexandre domino Hume magno
camerario nostro / Andrea domino Gray iusticiario nostro • et dilectis
clericis nostris magistris Ricardo Murehede decano Glasguensi secretario
nostro / et Gawino Dunbar decano Morauiensi nostrorum rotulorum et

Innes of That like sone of vmquhile James Innes of That Ilk and intromettour with his
gudis dois wrang in the detentioune and withhalding fra William Meldrum of Five of the
malez proffitis and dewiteis of the lands of Bogmothill Hand within the schirefdome of Banfif
be the space of xij yeris bigain pertenyng to the said William be infeftment chartour and
possessioune maid to him be the said vmquhile James Innes extending yerly to xx pundis
[etc.] And elikwise that the said Alexander sail werrand kepe and defend to the said
William the landis of Rothebrisbene liand within the schirefdome of Abirdene And alse
that the said Alexander as intromettour forsaid sail refond and pay to the said William
the malez proffitis and dewiteis of the saidis landis of Rotbibresbene of the termez of tene
yeris bigane extending yerely to ten pundis takin vp be the said vmquhile James of five
yeris before his deceas and beand in our Souerane Lordis handis vther five yeris sene his
decesse be ressone of warde / as wes elikwise grantit and conl'essit be the said Alexander in
presens of the lordis." (Acta Doniinorum Concilii, pp. 348, 349.)]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— AUCHTERLESS. 505

registri ac concilii clerico • Apud Edinburgh penultimo die mensis Januarii
anno Domini millesirao quingentesimo secundo • et regni nostri decimo
quinto •

Carta Marie Comyn •' (130(1—1329.)

Robertus etc. Sciatis nos concessisse Marie Coinyn sponse quondam
Edmundi Comyn militis / totara terram de duabus Cullenachys et de Sal-
chope cum molendino / infra thanagium nostrum de Fermartyn • in extentu
viginti marcarum terre ■ quousque predicta Maria terciam partem suam
ipsam iuste et secundum assisam terre contingentem / de omnibus terris
que fuerunt dicti quondam Edmundi mariti sui infra regnum nostrum /
poterit recuperare / vel aliter sibi competenter duxeriraus prouideri • Ten-
endam et habendam de nobis et heredibus nostris [efc.^ ■ Saluo nobis
tantum de dicta terra seruicio Scoticano in exercitu nostro • Concessimus
eciam eidem de gracia nostra speciali quod possit libera / sine aliquo im-
pedimento seu contradiccione balliuorum nostrorura / homines quos induxerit
ad dictam terram teuendam libere abducere cum bonis earundem ubi-
cunque voluerit / dummodo non sint natiui et Ugii homines dicte terre
ab antiquo • In cuius etcJ\

AUCHTERLESS.

UCHTERLESS had for its tutelar Saint Donan,
abbot. This saint fled in A.D. dc.xl. : his feast
is on April the seventeenth, and that of his relicts
on April the eighteenth. Dempster* says, his
staff, being kept here, cured fever and jaundice,
but was broken by the reformers. The collect
"^«S) used in this diocese for his festival runs thus :

• [From the Earl of Haddington's Collection of Charters, vol. ii., p. 47, MS. See
Robertson's Index to the Charters, ]). 2.]

• Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, [t. i., p. 207 : " S. Donanus abbas, aureo illo
sanctorum seculo, incomparabili vitae integritate fulsit. Baculum haeretici corruperant, qui
circumlatus febri et morbo Regio medebatur. Ejus sunt : ' Monasticae Vitae Institutum,
lib. i. ; De S. Trinitatus Mysteriis, lib. i. ; Regula Officii Ecclesiastic!, lib. i.' Vixit anno
DC.XL. Colitur die xvii. April. Breviar. Scot. Patronus in Achterles, Thomae Demp-
steri baronia, cujus sanctae reliquiae elevatae xviii. April, et nundinae frequentes toto eo
tractu." See D. Camerarii de Scotorvm Fortitvdine, pp. 132, 133. " A market called

506 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

" Omnipotens sempiterne Deus quoniam ad te animas erigimus
nostre iuuentutis delicta obliuisceri quesunius vt intercessione beati

Donan Fair, from Donan the tutelary saint of the parisli, is held in the kirktown in the
month of April." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 292.
Edinb. 1840.)

" Malcolmus Akdes, nobilissimo sanguine natus in Achterles, unus eorum fuit, qui
Scotia exterminati tyrannide Eduardi I. Angli, ubi spes melioris rei affulserat, iterum redi-
erunt, et non parum operae accomodaverunt patriae. Fuit autem Carmelitani ordinis pro-
vincialis. Scripsit rudi stylo, ut ea tempera ferebant, ' De Bello ad Fawkirk, lib. i. ; De
liberata Scotia, lib. i.' Floruit anno mcccxxciv. Henricus Sinclarus." (T. Dempsteri
Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., p. 35.)

" Patkicios Bissetos, clarissima apud sues origine, ex ea familia quae Achterles et
Fifam comitatus titulo tenuerunt : hie vero Bononiae artes optimas professus, summa erudi-
tionis opinione inclaruit, ac jus canonicum per multos annos cum docuisset, tandem amicitia
strictiore cum Bonifacio Gozadino contracta, ad eum scripsit ' De Irregularitate, lib. i. ;
Lectiones Feriales, lib. i.' Claruit anno siccccr. Alidosius." (T. Dempsteri Historia Ec-
clesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., p. 95.)

" Jacobus Laingaehs, natus in Achterles, heriditario baronatu Dempsterorum Mures-
kiae, doctor theologiae, socius Sorbonicus, acerrimus haeresis hostis, vitae probatissimae ac
variae lectionis, doctissimus sui ordinis habebatur, impense laudatus a Joanne Roennio,
Gymnasii Thesaurarii praefecto, in oratione de Laudibus Sorbonae ; et incassum ranae
Hirlandicae tanti viri laudibus obcoaxant in libello famoso suo vili, indocto, ab ecclesia
proscripto. Scripsit multa ; in his ' In Magistrum Sententiarum, lib. iv. ; In universam
Aristotelis Philosophiam Commentar. lib. i.' ; vidi apud ipsum MSS. ; ' Quodhbeta Sor-
bonica, lib. i. ; De Vita, Doctrina, Obitu Lutheri, Calvini, aliorumque Haereticorum, lib. i.'
pium et veracem, qui ex Gallico Latinus pridem factus, mox etiam Germanicus prodiit
Ingolstadii anno mdlxxxii. Antonius Possevinus, torn. ii. Apparatus Sacri pag. lxxix.
Ex hoc multa mutatus est Florimundus Remundus, opere de Ortu, Augmento, et Casu
Haereseos, et alii. Obiit anno mdxciv. in Sorbonensi sacello, prout testamento praescrip-
serat, sepultus. Vixit aquilae senectam annos xciii. Summa ipsius fuit claritudo sub annum
MDLvii." (T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., pp. 438, 439.)
See G. Conaei De Dvplici Statv Religionis apvd Scotos, p. 167 ; Maidment's Catalogues
of Scotish Writers, pp. 8, 92 ; M'Crie's Life of Knox, passim.

The learned, amiable, and pious Henry Scougal, (born 1650, died 1678,) author of
' The Life of God in the Soul of Man,' was rector of Auchterless in the years 1673 and
1674, before his preferment to the chair of theology in the King's College and University
of Aberdeen. His life has been often written ; but his biographers appear to have overlooked
one of his works : Private Reflexions and Occasional Meditations, together with some
Essays Moral and Divine. By Henry Scougal, S. T. P., author of the Life of God in the
Soul of Man. Done from an Authentic MS. To which is prefix' d, a particular account
of the Author's life. Aberdeen : printed for and by J. Chalmers. 1740. 8vo. pp. 33.
A second but less perfect edition appeared in the same place in 1765, in 8vo., pp. 38.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— AUCHTERLESS. 507

Donani confessoris tui et Abbatis siquidem negligenter delinquimus
clementer ignoscere digneris • Per Dominum • " *

It has two silver chalices, gifted about A.D. m.dcc.xx. by the
parishoners.

Virgin Mary's ' at Sigget is the most famous in this diocese chappei.

TowiE,^ was for many years the seat of the principal branch, if Miinnors.
not the stock of the Barclays, (those of Towie contending for the
chiefship with those of Gartley,) but in the last age, the heiress
married Gordon of Rothimay, to whom she bare a daughter, who,
taking the name of Gordon, and becoming also heiress, married Sir
George Innes of Cockston, to whom she bare a son

Badenscoth is the seat of Gordon of Badenscoth, descended of
Lesmore.

Blackford, lately belonging to the Gellies of Blackford ; now, a
fine new house, built by Forbes of Blackford, son to Forbes of
Auchorties.

* Aberdeen Breviar_v, [prop- Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, t'ol. Ixxxvii.]

' [" There is a well at the distance of fully a mile east from the church, supposed to
have been dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Within the recollection of some of the
oldest Inhabitants, money and other articles, were deposited on Pash [Easter] Sunday, by
those whose superstitious feelings led them to frequent the well. Close by this fountain are
the remains of a place of worship, to which had been attached a burying ground, where
several families of distinction were interred." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland,
number xxv., p. 287.)

" In the immediate vicinity of the church, there is a small artificial eminence, of an oval
shape, surrounded by a ditch, which is now in many places very much filled up. It still
retains the name of The Moat-head, and was formerly the seat of the baronial court. The
Gallow-hill, where the criminals were executed and buried, is in its neighbourhood." (Id.,
p. 286.)

" The remains of Druidical circles are pretty numerous in different parts of the parish.
By far the most remarkable is situated on a considerable eminence on the farm of Logie-
Newton, called The Kirkhill. Three concentric circles may be distinctly traced ; the stones
are very large, and of a white colour." (Id., p. 287.)

" There are a few Druidical circles, but not so large as in many other places. Supersti-
tion still spares them, though stones are so scarce." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol.
xii., p. 312. Edinb. 1794.)]

2 [See above, pp. 462, 463, 466.]

508 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[description of the parish of AUCHTERLESS. by MR. WILLIAM WALKER.
A.D. M.DCC.XXIII. '

The parish of Auchterless, in the shire of Aberdeen, in the country of Buchan and
Formartin, has on the west the parishes of Turretf, Ennerkeithnie, and Foirg ; on
the south, the parishes of Culsamon and Rain ; on the east, the parish of Fivie ;
and on the north, the parish of Turreff.

The church is situated in the niidle of the parish, four miles to the south of the
church of Turreif. The water of Ithain, or Ythan, which arises from the hills of
Foudlan, and the wells of Ithain, (being three christall springs in the parish of
Foirg,) runs on the border of the parish a mile north ; whence its course is east
through the midle of the parish two miles ; from thence it runs north four miles by
the church and center of the parish to Towie, in the parish of Turreff. This water
divides the country of Buchan from Formartine.

The principal seats are Blackfoord, Badenscoth, and Hatton.

Blackfoord is a pretty new house, built after the English modell, anno
M.DCC.xxii., belonging to Alexander Forbes of Blackfoord.

Badenscoth is situate on the east of the water of Ithan, one and a half miles
from the church south, belonging to William Gordon of Badenscoth.

Hatton is an eighth part of a mile distant from the church, west ; formerly be-
longing to the Meldrums of Hatton, at present possest by Alexander Duff of
Hatton.]

FORGLEN OR TEUNAN-KIRK.2

ORGLEN, (in Irish,) signifies the hollow of a vale,
^ which agrees well with the situation of the chief
mannor here, whence the whole parish has its
name. The church has for its tutelar Saint Theu-
nan. This saint is said to have been preceptor
^ - to King Eugen V., who began to reign A.D.
DC.LXxxviii. I find him called confessor; and

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [« The name of the parish was formerly 'T Eunan, or St. Eunan, after the saint of that
name, to whom the church had been dedicated." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xiv.,
p. 530. Edinb. 1793.) " This parish is sometimes called Teunan, or St. Eunan, from a
saint of that name, to whom a chapel was dedicated, the ruins of which still remain, at the
mouth of a rivulet which falls into the Doveron. Forglen and the neighbouring parish

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— FORGLEN. 509

his feast is on September the twenty-third. Camerarius ' says be
was counsellor to King Eugen VI., and abbot of Melross; and
places his feast on September the twenty-sixth : but he is not
reckoned one of the exactest authors. Mr. Thomas Innes takes
him to be the very same with Saint Adamnan, who in Irish is called
Ainan, and their day is the same, September the twenty-third ;
Teunan being formed from Saint Ainan, as Trowel and Tantan
from Saint Rule and Saint Antony.

FoRGLEN, ^ in the last age, belonged to the Irvins of Drum ; but Manners
is now possessed by Ogilvy of Forglen, son to George second Lord
Banf, by Agnes, daughter to Alexander Lord Haulkerton.

of AlvEih were at one time joined ; but, before the middle of the seventeenth century,
Forglen was erected into a separate parish, and an annexation from the adjoining parish of
Mamoch, (comprehending the greater part of the estate of Carnousie,) was made to it both
quoad sacra et civilia." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xi., pp. 83,
84, 8". Edinb. 1836 ; Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xiv., p. 530.) " There are two
barrows unopened, about six hundred yards from the church. In making a road in 1827, an
urn was dug up, containing a quantity of ashes. Another urn with similar contents was
found about twenty years ago." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xi.,
p. 87.) " There is a Druidical temple m the woods of Forglen." (Statistical Account of
Scotland, vol. xiv., p. 543.)

" S. Thewnanus abbas, vir mirae sanctitatis, et singularis in erudiendo populo eon-
stantiae, Eugenii etiam VI. Regis praeoeptor, scripsit ' Quorundam SS. Vitas, lib. i.'
Florebat anno dclxxxiv, Recolitur ejus sacra memoria die xxm. Septembris. Calen-
darium Adami Regii, et Breviaria Scotica." (T. Dempster! Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis
Scotorum, t. ii., p. 613.)]

' [De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. 177.]

2 [" Over the entry to the house of Forglen are placed the arms of Scotland. Below
these, are the arms of the owner of the house at the time that part of it was erected, which
we learn from one of the stones was the year 1577. Above the Royal arms we find written :
" Houp OF BEVAiRD cAvsis GviD SERVICE" ; and under the arms of the family is the fol-
lowing inscription :

" DO VEIL AND DOVPT NOCHT TAK THOV NO TENT

ALTHOCH THOV BE SPYIT • QVHAT EVERI MAN TELLIS •

HE IS LTTIL GVID VORTH GYVE THOV VALD LEIVE ONDEMIT

THAT IS NOCHT INVYIT • GANG (JVHAIR NA MAN DVELLIS • "

and below this : " god gyves and has nocht the les • " (The New Statistical Account
of Scotland, number xi., pp. 87> 88 ; Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xiv., p. 535.)]

3 T

510 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

DuNLUGUS was possessed, under King James III., by Walter
Ogilvy of Dunlugus, (son to Ogilvy of Lintrethan,) who is now re-
presented by the Lord Banf. But Dunlugus is now possessed by
Gordon of Dunlugus.

Carnowsie, the seat of Gordon of Carnusie, (son to Gordon of
Edenglassie, in Murthlack parish.)

[description of the parish of FORGLEN. P.Y MR. WILLIAM OGILVY.
A.D. M.DCC.XXIV. '

This parish containeth little bounds, bordering with Alva to the north-west, and
Marnoch parish to the south ; with the parish of TurrefF to the east-south-east,
and Innerkeithny to the south-south-east. The church stands on the water of
Doveron, south-east ; and from it lyeth the house of Forglen, belonging to Lord
Forglen, on the water of Doveron, to north-west from the church one myle ; but
the water is east of the house. From the church to south-west one myle, is ane
dwelling house called Carnousie, belonging to Sir George Ogilvy, baronet, and
now to the name of Gordon ; the house from Doveron to east, half a myle,
where there's a considerable planting on the water syde belonging to Carnousie ;
and of old that land belonged to the family of Lord Banff. About Forglen and
Todlae, mentioned in Alva parish, there's a great dale of ground inclosed, planted
by Lord Forglen.

Carta Regis ■ W • de custodia de le Bracbenoch • ^ (1178^ — 1211.)

■ W^Ulelmus • Dei gracia Rex Scottoruin • Omnibus probis hominibus
tocius terre sue • clericis et laicis • Salutem • Sciant presentes et futuri
me • concessisse • et hac carta mea confirmasse • monachis de Abyr-
brothok • custodiam de Bracbenoch • Et eisdem monachis • dedi • et
concessi ■ et hac carta mea confirmaui • cum predicta Bracbenoch • terram
de Forglint • datam Deo • et Sancto Columbe • et le Bracbenach •
Quare uolo et precipio quatinus predictam terram et custodiam de Brac-
benach habeant • libere et quiete • Faciendo inde seruicium quod michi
in exercitu debetur de ilia terra cum predicta Bracbenoch • Testibus
• G • comite de Marr • Oliuero capellano meo • Willelmo de Bosco
clerico meo • Herberto de Camera • Apvd Abirden • xx" • viij° • die
Junii •

• [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [From the Regbtrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— FORGLEN. 511

Carta terrarum de Forglen Malcomo de Monymusk •' (a.d. 1315.)

Uniuersis presentes literas inspecturis • Malcomus de Monimusk • filius
quondam Domini Thome de Monimusk militis • Salutem in Domino •
Noueritis me infeodatum esse per dominos meos Dominum Bernardum
Dei gracia abbatem de Abbyrbrothok • et eiusdem loci conuentum • de
terra de Forglen • in hec verba • • Sciant omnes / tarn presentes quam
futuri / quod nos • Prater Bernardus • permissione diuina Abbas de Ab-
byrbrothok • et eiusdem loci conuentus / de expresso consensu et assensu
tocius capituli nostri / habito super hoc prius diligenti tractatu / considera-
taque utilltate monasterii nostri / dedimus • concessimus ■ et present!
carta nostra confirmauiraus • Malcomo de Munimusk • totam terram nos-
tram de Forglen • que pertinet ad Bracbenniach • cum omnibus perti-
nenciis suis • una cum iure patronatus ecclesie eiusdem terre • Tenendam
et habendam • eidem Malcomo et heredibus suis • de nobis et successoribus
nostris in perpetuum • libere • [eic] • Concessimus eciam eidem et
heredibus suis • curiam suam de hominibus in dicta terra manentibus •
de omnimodis placitis et .querehs infi"a dictam terram accidere valentibus ■
cum amerciamentis • et eschetis • inde iuste prouenientibus • Saluis nobis
et successoribus nostris placitis mouendis de quatuor querelis ad coronam
Domini Regis pertinentibus in omnibus • Dictus vero Malcomus et he-
redes sui facient in exercitu Domini Regis • nomine nostro • seruicium
pro dicta terra quod pertinet ad Bracbennach • quociens opus fuerit ■
pro omni alio seculari seruicio et demanda • Reddendo inde nichilominus
nobis et successoribus nostris ipse et heredes sui • apud Abbyrbrothok •
annuatim • quadraginta solidos argenti • nomine feodofirme • [etc.'] et
nobis et successoribus nostris ac monasterio nostro tam ipse quam heredes
sui successiue prestabunt fidelitatis sacramentum • In cuius rei testimonium
presenti carte nostre commune sigillum capituli nostri concorditer est
appensum • Teste capitulo nostro predicto • In cuius rei testimonium
presentibus sigillum meum apposui • Datum apud Abbyrbrothok • die Jouis
proximo ante festum cathedre Sancti Petri apostoli ■ anno gracie ■ mille-
simo • trecentesimo ■ quarto decimo •

Carta terrarum de Forglen Johanni Fraser • ' (a.d. 1388.)

Omnibus banc cartam visuris vel audituris / Johannes permissione diuina
Abbas monasterij de Aberbrothoc / et eiusdem loci conuentus / eternam

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

512 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

in Domino salutem • Sciatis nos ex consensu tocius capituli nostri / dili-
genti tractatu prius habito / dedisse [etc.] Johanni Fraser et heredibus
suis de corpore suo legitime procreandis • totam terram nostram de For-
glen que pertinet ad Bai-cbennach • una cum iure patronatus ecclesie eius-
dem terre • pro homagio et seruicio nobis et successoribus nostris • faciendo-
que in exercitu Domini Regis • nomine nostro pro dicta terra • quod pertinet
ad Bracbennach / quocies opus fuerit • Quam quidem terram Gilbertus
Urry et Johanna sponsa eius / heres quondam Mariorie sponse Jobannis
Fraser filie et heredis quondam Domini Jobannis de Monimusk militis /
apud Forglen • tercio die mensis Augusti • anno Domini • millesimo • tre-
centesimo • octogesimoque • septimo ■ coram quampluribus fidedignis •
videlicet • Dorapno Roberto de Dumbar / Johanne filio Nicholai • Johanne
Boners monacbis / Alexandro Skyrnichue de Aberbrothoc senescallo nos-
tro / Thoma Fraser de Kornton • Willelmo de Dissynton filio et herede
Domini Willelmi de Dyssynton militis • Andrea Malvyn • Jobanne Seton
burgensibus de Aberbrotboc • Johanne Conan de Conansythe • et multis
aliis • nobis per fustum et baculum reddiderunt et resignauerunt \_etc.']
Tenendam et habendam eidem Johanni et heredibus suis legitime de cor-
pore suo procreandis de nobis et successoribus nostris inperpetuum li-
bere [<?<c.] Et si contingat dictum Johannem et heredes suos de corpore
suo legittime procreates deficere absque liberis de corporibus suis legi-
time procreatis / Andreas filius dicti Jobannis pro se et heredibus legit-
time procreatis et procreandis mode quo supra dictam terram libere pos-
sidebit • Et si contingat dictum Andream vel beredes suos de corpore
suo legittime procreatos in fata decedere • nullo herede ut premittitur su-
perstite / Willelmus Fraser frater ejus et beredes sui legittime de corpore
suo procreati predictam terram de Forglen modo quo superius est expres-
sum bene et pacifice possidebunt • Salua nobis semper et successoribus
nostris regalitate in eadem terra • Saluo etiam iure cuiusllbet • Reddendo
inde nobis et successoribus nostris annuatim • quadraginta solidos sterlingo-
rum • ad duos anni terminos [_etc.'] Dictus vero Johannes et heredes sui ac
eciam Andreas et Willelmus ac filii sui ac beredes sui / ut premittitur / de
corporibus suis legittime procreati nobis et successoribus nostris homagium
et seruicium nichilominus facient • Dicti eciam Johannes et heredes sui
Ij'tc.'] nullo modo dictam terram vendent irapignorabunt sen modis aliquibus
alienabunt sine nostra aut successorum nostrorum licencia speciali petita
pariter et obtenta [_etc.'\ ■ In cuius rei testimonium presenti carte nostre
per modum cyrografFy confecte nostrum apposuimus sio-iUum commune •

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— FORGLEN. 513

alteri vero parti huius carte sigillum dicti Johannis. appositum est paten-
ter • Teste eodem capitulo nostro • apud Aberbrothoc secundo die niensis
Marcii anno supradicto •

Resignacio terrarum de Forglen in manibus Abbatis ■ ' (a.d. 1411.)

Venerabili in Christo patri ac domino sue in hac parte superiori • Do-
mino Waltero Dei gracia Abbati monasterij de Aberbrothok • et eiusdem
loci conuentui • Johannes Fraser dominus de Forglen reuerenciam de-
bitam cum honore • Ego Johannes Fraser predictus • non vi aut raetu
coactus nee errore lapsus / nee dolo vel fraude seductus / set mea mera et
spontanea voluntate motus • in manus vestras sursum reddo / ac pro me
et heredibus meis per fustera et baculum pure et simpliciter resigno / omnes
et singulas terras meas de Forglen • cum omnibus suis pertinenciis • quas
de vobis teneo in capite • una cum toto jure et juris clameo que ego vel
heredes mei in predictis terris cum pertinenciis habemus / habuinms / vel
habere poterimus / quouismodo • sic quod vos domine mi superior in hac
parte de predictis terris cum pertinenciis libere valeatis disponere pro libito
vestre voluntatis • Ita quod nee ego nee heredes mei nee aliquis nee aliqua
nomine nostro aliquid jus vel juris clameum possessionem vel proprietatem
in ipsis terris cum pertinenciis / aut in aliqua ipsarum parte / potero
poterint vel poterit exigere seu aliqualiter vendicare • In cuius rei testi-
monium presentibus sigillum raeum apposui • Apud Aberden • undecimo •
die raensis Decembris • anno Domini • niillesimo • cccc° • Undecimo •

Littera inquisicionis super terra de Forglen • ^ (a.d. 1457.)

Hec inquisicio facta in pretorio burgi de Aberdene • coram Willelmo
de Murrauia de Tulibardyn • vicecomite de Banf specialiter deputato •
tercio die mensis Nouembris • anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo
quinquagesimo septimo • per subscriptas personas / videlicet / Willelmum
Cumyn • Dauid Scrymgoure • Willelmum Reid de CoUistoune • Thomam

1 [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

2 [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS. On the thirteenth of
October, 1466, in presence of the lords auditors of parliament, " Andro Vrre askit the
landis of Forglene to borghe at the abbot of Arbrothe oiferand him to do therfor that he
aucht to do of law and tharuppone askit answere / To the quhilk answerit the said abbot
sayand that he suld do that law walde." (Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p. 5; Robertson's
Parliamentary Records of Scotland, p. 143.)]

514 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

de Alyrdas • Walterum Barklay • Johannem Fyf • Rlcardura Vaus •
Lanxlotum de Abernethy • Archibaldum Stewart • Andream Glaster •
Umfredum Abercrumby • Alexandrum de Gardyn • Donaldum Oige •
Ferquhardum Lamme • et Jacobum Wentoun • Qui jurati dicunt quod
quondam Dominus Alexander de Irwyn de Drum miles / auus Alexandri
de Irwyn latoris presencium / obiit ultimo vestitus et saisitus ut de feodo
ad fidem et paeem Domini nostri Regis • de terris de Forglint cum per-
tinenclis • jacentibus infra vicecomitatum de Banf • Et quod idem
Alexander est legitimus et propinquior heres dicti quondam Alexandri
aui sui de dictis terris cum pertinenciis • Et quod nondum est legitime
etatis • Et quod dicte terre cum pertinenciis valent nunc per annum
viginti marcis / et valuerunt tempore pacis decem libris • Et quod dicte
terre cum pertinenciis tenentur in capite de Domino Abbate et conuentu
de Aberbrothoc per seruicium warde et releuij / ac ferendi vexillum de
Brekbenach in exercitu Regis / nee non soluendo eisdem Abbati et
conuentui • xl • solidos usualis monete Scocie proporcionaliter annuatim
ad duos anni terminos usuales Penthecostes / videlicet / et Sancti Martini
in hyeme per equales porciones • Et quod nunc sunt in manibus dicti
Domini Abbatis et conuentus legittime per seipsos causa warde / et a
tempore obitus dicti quondam Domini Alexandri qui obiit in mense Julij
ultimo preteriti / et sic quasi per quatuor menses • Datum et clausum sub
sigillo dicti vicecomitis et sigillis quorundam qui huic inquisicioni inter-
erant faciende • anno die et loco supradictis •

Instrumentum super homagio Alexandri Iruyne pro terris de Forglene / et
quod tenentes regalitatis cum dicto Alexandre ad exercitum Domini
Regis sub le Brecbennach meabunt et equitabunt • ' (a.d. 1481.)

In Dei nomine • Amen • Per hoc presens instrumentum cunctis pateat
euidenter quod anno ab incarnacione Domini • m° • cccc° • Ixxxi" • mensis
vero Maij die • xxj° • Indiccione • xiiij'^ • pontificatus sanctissimi in Christo
patris ac domini nostri Domini Sixti diuina prouidencia Pape quarti anno
decimo • Coram venerabili in Christo patre Georgio permissione diuina
Abbate monasterij de Aberbrothoc nostrorumque notariorum publicorum
et testium subscriptorum presencia • personaliter comparuit nobilis vir
Alexander Iruyne de Drum • visis perlectis et ad plenum intellectis cartis

• [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— FORGLEN. 515

Uteris euidenciis instrumentis documentis et munimentis quanipluribus de
et super terris de Forolene confectis antecessoribus dicti Alexandri ■ Pro
quibus quidem terris do Forglene cum suis pertinenciis prefatus Dominus
Abbas dominus superior dictarum terrarum jure ipsius Alexandri in et ad
dictas terras cum pertinenciis considerate et ad plenum intellecto / cum juris-
peritis mature auisatus / de consensu et assensu conuentus dicti monasterij
realiter recepit ipsum Alexandrum in suum tenentem terrarum predictarum
de Forglene cum suis pertinenciis / secundum tenorem et forniam cartarum
et euidenciarum suarum desuper confectarum • Pro quibus eciam terris de
Forglene cum suis pertinenciis dictus Alexander Iruyne fecit homagium •
flexis genibus ■ corporali juramento dicto Abbati prestito • junctis manibus
ut moris est soliti et consueti ■ Preterea dictus Dominus Abbas dixit et
constituit ut tenentes regalitatis dicti monasterij de Aberbrothoc ubicunque
existentes cum dicto Alexandre ad exercitum Domini nostri Regis sub le
Brecbennach / videlicet / sub vexillo dictorum Abbatis et conuentus / mea-
bunt et equitabunt cum requisiti fuerint per dictum Dorainum Abbatem et
conuentum dicti monasterij et suos successores / pro defensione Regis et
regni • Super quibus omnibus et singulis dictus Abbas a nobis notariis pub-
licis subscriptis sibi fieri peciit presens publicum instrumentum • Acta
erant hec / apud Torre in capella eiusdem / hora secunda aut eocirca post
meridiem sub anno die mense Indiccione et pontificatu quibus supra •
Presentibus ibidem nobilibus viris / Alexandre Guthery de eodem • Johanne
Ogiluy • Jacobo Lesly ■ Johanne Fothringhame • et Alexandro Symonis
notario publico / cum diuersis aliis testibus ad premissa vocatis pariter et
rogatis •

Et ego vero Robertus Leis presbyter Aberdonensis diocesis publicus
Imperiali et Regali auctoritatibus notarius [etc/]

Et ego Thomas Strathauchin Sancti Andree diocesis presbyter auctori-
tatibus Imperiali et Regali notarius publicus [etc.]

Carta Alexandri Irwyn super Forglen cum aduocacione ecclesie eius-
dem ■' (a.d. 1483.)

Omnibus banc cartam visuris vel audituris Villelmus permissione diuina
Abbas monasterij Sancti Thome Martiris de Abyrbroth et conuentus
eiusdem / eternam in Domino salutem • Noueritis nos vnanimi consensu

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

516 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

et assensu dedisse [_etc.'] dilecto nostro Alexandre Irwyne de Drum •
omnes et singulas terras nostras de Forglene / cum suis pertinenciis /
iacentes infra vicecomitatum de Banf una cum aduocacione patronatus
ecclesie parochialis de Forglene • Que quidem terre cum aduocacione iuris
patronatus ecclesie dicte cum suis pertinenciis fuerunt quondam ipsius
Alexandri hereditarie et quas idem Alexander [etc.'] sua mera puraque
et spontanea voluntate in manus nostras per fustem et baculum apud
Abvrbrocht coram testibus subscriptis sursum reddidit pureque et sim-
pliciter resignauit • Tenendas l_etc.'\ in feodo et hereditate inperpetuum ■
Salua nobis et successoribus nostris inperpetuum regalitate in eisdem •
Reddendo inde \_etc.'\ annuatim quadraginta solidos vsualis monete Scocie
letc.'] et faciendo in exercitu Domini nostri Regis seruicium de le Brek-
bannach debitum et consuetum tantum pro omni alio onere seruicio seculari
exaccione seu demanda [e^c] Saluis nobis et successoribus nostris wardis
releuiis et homagiis et aliis seruiciis dictarum terrarum debitis et consuetis
[etc.'] ■ In cuius rei testimonium commune sigillum capituli nostri huic
presenti carte nostre est appensura • apud Abyrbrocht • sexto die mensis
Februarij • anno Domini • millesimo • quadringentesimo • octogesimo •
tercio • Testibus nobilibus viris Johanna Ogylvy de Ballyndoch • Willel-
mo Olyphant filio Domini Olyphant • Alexandre Burnatt de Leyis •
Alexandre Irwyne de Beldeis • Nycolao Fodryngbame • Johanne Fodryn-
ghame ■ armigeris / Dominis Roberto Leys et Alexandre Symonis vicario
de Banchory Tarny notariis publicis • cum multis aliis •

Inquisicio Alexandri Irwene de terris de Forglene • ' (a.d. 1494.)

Hec inquisicio facta apud burgura de Abbirbreth in hospicio nebilis
domini Jacebi Domini Ogilwy de Erie / coram nobili viro Johanne
Ogilwy barone de Fyngask balliuo regalitatis de Abbirbroth • vicesimo
tercio die mensis Julij • anno Domini • millesimo • cccc" ■ nonagesirao
quarto • per hos fideles patrie subscriptes / videlicet / Thomam Dominum
Innermeith • Thomam Ogilwy militem / Jacobum Giffert • Dauid Ressy
filium et heredem apparentem Dauid Rossy de eodem / Oliferum Ogilwy •
Alexandrum Baldewy de eodem • Willelmum Guthry de Kynblaithmont •
Dauid Barclay • Duncanum Lyctone / Jacobum Ramsay de Balnele •
Dauid Fethy / Dauid Dowglace • Jacobum Dowglace ■ Johannem Brown •

' [From the Registrum Reccntius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— FORGLEN. 517

Johannem Vatsone / Qui jurati dicunt quod quondam Alexander Irwyne
de Drwm pater Alexandri Irwyn latoris presencium obiit ultimo vestitus et
saisitus ut de feodo ad pacem et fidem supremi Domini nostri Regis de terris
de Forglene jacentibus in regalitate de Abbirbroth infra vicecomitatum de
Banff una cum aduocacione juris patronatus ecclesie de Forglene cum suis
pertinenciis • Et quod dictus Alexander est legittimus et propinquior
heres eiusdem quondam Alexandri patris sui [e?c.] Et quod dicte terre
[etc.'] tenentur de Domino Abbate et conuentu Sancti Thome Martiris
de Abbirbroth in capite reddendo inde annuatim [etc.] quadraginta soli-
dos usualis monete regni Scocie [etc.] et faciendo in exercitu Domini
nostri Regis seruicium de la Brecbenach debitum et consuetum [etc.] Et
quod dicte terre sunt in manibus dictorum dominorum Abbatis et con-
uentus [etc.] tanquam in manibus dominorum superiorum earundem per
spacium octo mensium aut eocirca post decessum dicti quondam Alexandri
Irwyne [etc.] In quorum fidera et testimonium omnium premissorum
sigilla quorundam qui dicte inquisicioni intererant una cum sigillo dicti
Johannis Ogilvy balliui dicte regalitatis die mense et loco prescriptis
sunt appensa •

Contirraacio terrarum de Forglen Alexandro Irwyn filio et heredi appa-
renti Alexandro Irwyn de Drum •' (a.d. 1499 et a.d. 1500.)

Omnibus banc cartam visuris vel audituris Dauid permissione diuina
Abbas de Abirbroth [etc.] Noueritis nos quandam- cartam predilecti
nostri Alexandri Irwyn de Drum [etc.] ad plenum intellexisse sub hac
verborum forma que sequitur • • Omnibus banc cartam visuris vel audi-
turis Alexander Irwyn de Drum / eternam in Domino salutem • Noueritis
me filiali zelo afl'ectione et amore / vtilitate mea in hac parte vndique
preuisa et diligenter considerata / dedisse [etc.] Alexandro Irwyn filio
meo carissimo et heredi apparenti et Jonete Allerdes sue spouse eorumque
alter! diucius viuenti / in coniuncta infeodacione / omnes et singulas
terras meas de Forglen cum suis pertinenciis jacentes infra vicecomitatum
de Banff • Tenendas [etc.] prefatis Alexandro et Jonete sponse sue
eorumque alteri diucius viuenti in coniuncta infeodacione et heredibus inter
ipsos legittime procreatis sen procreandis / quibus forte deficientibus michi et
heredibus meis legittimis propinquioribus quibuscunque iterum reuertendas /

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

3 u

518 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

a me et heredibus meis de venerabili in Christo patre ac domino Dauid per-
raissione diuina Abbate de Abbirbroth et conuentu eiusdein ac suis successo-
ribus Abbatibus et conuentu dicti monasterij in feodo et hereditate inperpe-
tuum [etc.'j Faciendo inde annuatim \_eic.'] dicto Domino Abbati et conuen-
tui ac suis successoribus seruicium de dictis terris debitum et consuetum
\_etc.^ In cuius rei testimonium huic presenti carte mee sigiilum meum est
appensum / apud Abberdene decimo die mensis Septembris anno Domini
millesimo quadringentesimo nonogesimo nono • Coram venerabili honora-
bilibus et famosis viris Magistro Adam Gordone precentore Morauiensi •
Johanne Rutherfurde milite ac preposito de Abberdene • Alexandre
Menzeis ■ Roberto Blynsele • Alexandro Rede ■ Magistro Johanne Gor-
done vicario de Streueling ■ Alexandro Abberdour et Domino Johanne
Streueling notario publico • ■ Quamquidem cartam [e^c] nos dicti
Abbas et conuentus [etc.'] pro perpetuo presencium per tenorem confirma-
mus • Saluis nobis et successoribus nostris wardis releuiis maritagiis iu-
ribus et seruiciis de dictis terris de Forglen cum pertinenciis ante presentem
nostram confirmacionem debitis et consuetis • In cuius rei testimonium si-
giilum nostrum commune dicti monasterij presenti carte nostre contirma-
cionis apponi fecimus • apud Abbirbroth sexto die mensis Julij anno Do-
mini millesimo quingentesimo •

Carta Ricardi Comyne •' (a.d. 1369.)

Dauid Dei gracia' • • Rex • • Scottorum / Omnibus etc. Sciatis nos de-
disse etc. dilecto et fideli nostro Ricardo Comyne pro fideli seruicio suo
nobis impenso et impendendo ilium annuum redditum decern mercarum
sterlingorum exeuntem de terris de duabas Carnovsijs cum pertinenciis
infra vicecomitatum de BanfFe / qui fuit • Johannis Burnarde clauigeri
nostri • et quem idem Johannes nobis sursura reddidit et resignauit / Ten-
endum et habendum dicto Ricardo et heredibus suis / de nobis et heredibus
nostris • • in feodo et hereditate libere et quiete • • Reddendo inde annua-
tim [efc] vnum par cyrothecarum albarum vel duos denarios argenti • apud
dictas terras de Carnovsijs ad Festum Pentecostes [etc.] In cuius rei [etc.]
Apud Edynburghe • xv'" • die Septembris • • Anno regnj nostri Quadra-
gesimo Primo • • ]

' [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 74. See also, as to Carnousie, the Re-
gistrum Episcopatus Moraviensis, pp. 279, 280, 320, 246, 247, 248.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— FORGUE. 519

FORGUE.

ORGUE, dedicated to Saint Margaret, has a paten
(^ and two chalices all of silver, gifted by [James]
H^i Creighton of Frendraught. '

at BOGNIE. One Chappel.

JilS' Frendraught Castle, now ruinous : The Old Manners.
i-^O^^s Tower whereof was burnt on Friday, October the
'^ eighteenth, A.D. m.dc.xxx. ; and in it perished
John, Viscount of Melgum, (son to George first Marquis of
Huntley, and married to Sophia daughter to Francis Earl of
Erroll,) and John Gordon of Rothimay, with four servants. Mel-
gum and Rothimay had come but that very day out of Gordon
Castle with Frendraught, (who had been visiting there,) having
accompanied him out of courtesy, lest Pitcaple, who was at that
time at enmity with him, should intercept him by the way, Pitcaple
having returned home but the day before out of Gordon Castle.
Melgum and Rothimay were lodged in two rooms, (the one above
the other,) and, 'tis said, Melgum might have escaped upon the
breaking out of the fire, had he not gone up stairs to awake and
save Rothimay ; but being prevented after that by the smoke and
fire, they came to the window to call for help, where finding none,
they expired in one another's arms, calling out to God for mercy-
Not one can tell to this day how this fire was kindled, though
Frendraught and his wife were sadly suspected for the actors. In
[Blaeu's] Description of Aberdeenshire ther is a poem on this

' [" Two old communion cups, the mouths of which are of beaten silver, and the pillars
tastefully ornamented with the leaves and tendrils of the vine, bear the following inscrip-
tion : ' • GIFTIT ■ TO . GOD ■ AND • HIS • CHUBCH • BE • JAMES • CREIGHTODN •

or • FRENDRA0EGHT • TO • THE • KiBK • OF • FORBiG • 1633 ■ ' A basin, of beaten
silver, of large dimensions, has no date. On the bottom, the Crichton arras and motto
appear, and round the edge is the following inscription : • giftit • to • god . and • his •

CHURCH • of • FORCnE . BY • JAMES ■ VISCOUNT • OF ■ FRENDRAUGHT - LORD CRICH-

tone . " (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix., p. 598. Edinb.
1842.)]

520 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

tragical event, (by Dr. Arthur Johnston,) wherein the general sus-
picion is expressed in these words :

" Tristis, et infelix, et semper inhospita turris ! " '

This is certain, that, upon this presumption, the Gordons pursued
them so long at law as guilty, and, (because the law found not the
evidence sutScient,) wasted their lands with so many inroads, that,
in a few years, this family of Frendraught, which, at the time of
the burning, possessed three parishes, (Forgue, Inverkeithny, and
Aberchirder,) was reduced to great poverty, and, against seventy
years after, was stript of all, and extinguished.*
BoGNiE, the seat of Morison of Bognie.

[Contirmacio iuris patronatus ecclesie de Ferendracht per Papam ■ ^ (a.d.
1257.)

Alexander episcopus seruus seruorum Dei ■ dilectis filiis abbati et
conuentui monasterij Sancti Thome Martiris de Abirbrothoc ■ ordinis
Sancti Benedict! Sancti Andree diocesis • Salutem et appostolicam bene-
diccionem • Lecta coram nobis uestra peticio continebat quod quondam

' [Art. lonstoni Poemata Omnia, p. 332 : " De loanne Gordonio, Vicecomite de Mel-
gein et lohanne Gordonio de Rothimay, in arce Frendriaca combustis." See also, pp.
.329, 331 : " Querela Sophiae Hayae, Dominae de Melgeine, de morte mariti." " The
Fire of Frendraught " is deplored also in the homelier strains of a rude Scotbh ballad :
see Mr. Maidment's North Countrie Garland, Edinb. 1824 ; P. Buchan's Gleanings of
Old Ballads, pp. 165 — 169; Motherwell's Minstrelsy, Ancient and Modern, pp. 161 —
172 ; Chambers' Scottish Ballads, pp, 85 — 90. See also Mr. Dauney's Ancient Scotish
Melodies, pp. 218, 255, 256.]

* See the History of the Gordons, vol. ii. [pp. 135 — 152], where ther is an account
of this from Spalding's Manuscript. [See also Spalding's Hist, of Troub., vol. i., pp.
5—8, 10, 11, 22, 24—28; Sir Robert Gordon's Genealog. Hist, of Earld. of Suther-
land, pp. 416 — 421. Under the date of the eighth of July, 1631, there is this entry in
' The Chronicle of Perth ' : " fifteen shillings given by Andro Bell, master of hospital, to
a northland gentlewoman become frantic thro' tineing of her husband burnt in the Place
of Frendraught."]

' [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS. Among the Scotish re-
cords taken to England in the year 1296, by King Edward I., was " Confirmacio de ec-
clesia de Ferindrauch." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. xxiv.)]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF—FORGUE. 521

Willelmus de Ferendracht miles Aberdonensis diocesis • patronus ecclesie
de Ferendracht • ius patronatus illius ecclesie tunc ad eum pertinens uobis
pia et prouida liberalitate concessit • Nos itaque uestris supplicacionibus in-
clinati • quod ab eodem milite super hoc pie ac prouide factum est ratum et
firmum habentes ■ id auctoritate appostolica contirmaraus et presentis script!
patrocinio communimus • ac defectum pro eo super huiusmodi concessione
habitum quod diocesani loci non interuenit assensus • de nostre supplemus
plenitudine potestatis • Nulli ergo omnino hominura liceat banc paginam
nostre contirmacionis et supplecionis infringere • uel ei ausu temerario con-
traire • Si quis autem hoc attemptare presumpserit indignacionem Omnipo-
tentis Dei et beatorum Petri et Pauli appostolorum eius se uouerit incur-
surum • • Datum Laterani • iij° ■ nonas Januarij • pontiticatus nostri anno
tercio •

Taxacio uicarie de Ferindrach •' (a.d. 1257 et a.d. 1268.)

Uniuersis sancte matris ecclesie filiis presens scriptum uisuris uel audi-
turis • Johannes Dei gracia Abbas de Abirbrothoc • et eiusdem loci
conuentus • eternam in Domino salutem • Nouerit vniuersitas uestra nos
litteras appostolicas super ecclesia de Ferindrach / Aberdonensis diocesis
nobis in proprios vsus concessa recepisse • et habere • in hec uerba •
ALEXANDER episcopus seruus seruorum Dei • dilectis filiis abbati
et conuentui monasterii Sancti Thome Martiris de Abirbrothoc • ordinis
Sancti Benedicti Sancti Andree diocesis • Salutem et appostolicara bene-
diccionem • Gracia sedis appostolice prout accepimus uos in multis sed in
eo potissimum dignos redditis quod diuino cultui et hospitalitatis officio
cum omni diligencia deseruitis • Ut autem huiusmodi pietatis opera
facilius et liberius a uobis semper ualeant exerceri • nos intuitu dilecti
filii nostri • I • titulo Sancti Laurencii in Lucinia presbyteri cardinalis ■
deuocionis uestre precibus annuentes • presencium uobis auctoritate con-
cedimus • ut ecclesiam de • Ferindrach • Aberdonensis diocesis in qua
prout dicitur ius patronatus habetis et prouentus eius annuam ualenciam
triginta mercarum sterlingorura iuxta communem extimacionem patrie uix
excedunt • cedente uel decedente rectore ipsius • diocesani episcopi seu
cuiuscunque alterius assensu minime requisite • uestris usibus applicare ac
eius possessionem ingredi et retinere libere ualeatis ■ Prouiso tamen quod

' [From the Registrum Vetus CeDobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

522 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

capellano in eadem ecclesia Domino perpetuo seruituro competens per uos
de ipsius prouentibus porcio ex qua congrue sustentari et consueta ipsius
ecclesie onera supportare ualeat assignetur ■ Nulli ergo oinnino hominum
liceat banc paginam nostra concessionis infringere ■ uel ei ausu temerario
coutraire • Si quis autem boc attemptare presumpserit indignacionem Omni-
potentis Dei et beatorum Petri et Pauli appostolorum eius se nouerit incursu-
rura • Datum Laterani • iij • nonas Januarii • pontificatus nostri anno • iij ■ •
QuARUM auctoritate literarum possessionem dicte ecclesie • post decessum
Duncani quondam rectoris eiusdem • rite ingressi • prouentibus dicte eccle-
sie diligenter pensatis • Deum babentes pre oculis • habitoque prudentium
uirorum et iurisperitorum consilio • capellano in eadem ecclesia Deo per-
petuo seruituro certam et determinatam ad congruam ipsius sustentacionem
et ad consuetorum ipsius ecclesie onerum supportacionem porcionem tax-
ando assignamus in bunc modum • uidelicet • totum alteragium cum terra
eiusdem ecclesie et manso • Reseruatis nobis et successoribus nostris in
perpetuum • octo marcis annuls de decimis lane uel agnorum uel utrorum-
que nobis ad duos anni terminos • scilicet • ad Pentecosten • et ad festum
Sancti Martini in hieme • persoluendis ■ Saluis eciam nobis et successori-
bus nostris omnibus decimis garbarum tam dicte terre ecclesie quam tocius
parochie • Qui eciam capellanus qui in eadem ecclesia pro tempore
fuerit dicte ecclesie honeste deseruiet • et consueta ipsius ecclesie onera
supportabit • et de fabrica canceUi ipsius ecclesie pro rata porcionis sue
respondebit • et dictum mansum honeste sustentabit • et nobis et nostris
quociens illuc uenerimus honestum hospicium inueniet • In cuius rei testi-
monium presenti scripto sigillum commune capituli nostri fecimus apponi •
Datum apud Abirbrothoc • anno Domini • m° ■ cc° • sexagesimo octauo •
in festo Assumpcionis Beate Marie Uirginis •

Assedacio decimarum garbalium ecclesie de Forg magistro Patricio Ogiluy
vicario ejusdem • ' (a.d. 1485.)

Uniuersis pateat per presentes nos Dauid permissione diuiua Abbatem
monasterii de Abbyrbrocht et eiusdem loci conuentum / vnanimi consensu
et assensu tocius capituli nostri capitulariter congregati / assedasse et ad
tirmam dimisisse dilecto nostro Magistro Patricio OgUwy vicario de Forg /
totas et integras decimas garbales ecclesie nostre de Forg cum pertinenciis /

' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— FORGUE. 523

pro terminis septem annorum plenarie complendorum [efc] Soluendo inde
annuatim dictus Patricius nobis et successoribus nostris pro dictis decimis
suramara sexaginta librarum monete regnl Scocie [etc.'] Datum sub sigillo
communi capituli nostri apud idem capitulum • v • die mensis Februarij •
anno Domini • 1484 •

De Cupermaculty • ' (a.d. 1286.)

Omnibus hoc scriptum visuris vel audituris Radulfus Dei gracia abbas de
Dunfermelyn et eiusdera loci conuentus humilis eternam in Domino salu-
tem • Nouerit vniuersitas vestra nos dedisse • \_etc.'] Malcolmo filio Mal-
colmi de Ferinderahe pro homagio et seruicio suo totam terram nostram de
Cupermacultyne • Kethec • Fordewyne ■ Dummerneche per suas rectas
diuisas [e<e.] • Tenendam [etc.'] de nobis et successoribus nostris in feodo
et hereditate [etc.] absque omni seruicio consuetudine exaccione et de-
raanda • videlicet cum eisdem iuribus et possessione in quibus Johannes de
Ferendrache vestitus et saysitus fuit die quo predictas terras nobis pro se et
heredibus suis et successoribus per fustum et baculum imperpetuum tradidit
et resignauit • Reddendo nobis inde singulis annis • v • marcas • argenti ■
raedietatem • scilicet • ad Pentecosten et medietatem ad festum Sancti
Martini in hyeme • et faciendo forinsecum quantum pertinet ad dictani
terram • Dictus vero Malcolmus habebit forisfacta vacce et ouis de homi-
nibus suis ligijs infra dictam terram manentibus • Nos uero habebimus
forisfacta vaccam et ouem excedentia • Datum apud Dunfermelyn die
louis prosima prius festum Sancti Dunstani archiepiscopi • anno gracie
millesimo • cc" • octogesimo • secundo ■ Teste capitulo •

Carta H • de Ferendrach / de Lytilketbic • ^ (a.d. 1404.)

Omnibus banc cartam visuris uel audituris Johannes de Torry Dei gracia
Abbas monasterij de Dunfermlyng [etc.] ■ Noueritis nos inspexisse quan-

1 [From the Registrum de Dunfermelyn, pp. 217, 218. Edinli. 1842. 4to.]

* [From the same, p. 278.

In a roll of missing charters, by King Robert I., are " Carta Joannis Senescall, of the
lands of Frendraucht in vicecomitatu de Banff;" and " Carta Gilbert de Haya de Locherward,
of the lands of Auchinfichlach, etc., quhilks perteinit to Duncane Frendraucht, knight."
(Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 1.)

In the year 1322, Pope John XXII. granted a dispensation, " Jacobo Freiser, Abcr-
donensi, et Margaritae de Ferendraucht," for their marriage, they being within the prohi-
bited degrees of affinity. (Andrew Stuart's Genealogical History of the Stewarts, p. 446.
Lend. 1798. 4to.)

524 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

dam cartam Dominj Jacob! Frayser de Ferendrache tenentis nostri terra-
rum de Cupermaculty Fordui Dulmernak et Lytilkethic infra vicecomita-
tum de Perth factum Henrico de Ferendrache et heredibus suis de dictis
terris de Lytilkethic cum pertinenciis in nomine albe firme per solucionem
vnius paris albai-um cirothecarum ad nundinas de Dunde si petatur [efc] •
Quam quidem cartam [eic.^ imperpetuum confirmamus • In cuius rei testi-
monium sigillum nostrum commune presentibus est appensum apud dictum
monasterium de Dunfermlyng die quarto raensis Decembris anno Dominj
millesimo cccc"° quarto •

The wedset of Fordoue ■ ■ (a.d. 1425.)

Tyl al and syndry that thir present lettres sal tocum • James off Dunbar

lord of Frendrauchte • Greting into Gode • Yhur vniuersite sal haf knawyn

In a roll of missing charters by King Robert III., are " Carta to James Fraser, of
ane annual of twenty marks, furth of the lands of Carnowne and Oulmesli, in the barony
of Frendraught, in vicecomitatu de Aberdeen ;" and " Carta by James Frazer of Frendraught,
to the White Friers of Aberdene, the lands of Little Glensache, vicecomitatu de Kin
cardine in the Mearnes." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, pp. 137, 149.)

Jacobus Fraser dominus de Fcrendrach dedit Abbati et conuentui monasterij de Melros
et monachis ibidem Deo seruientibus ordinis Cisterciencis totam terram suam de Cambestone
in baronia de Lossidwyn infra vicecomitatum de Roxbvrch • Datum apud Abirdene secundo
die mensis Julij anno gracie millesimo Quadringentesimo Secundo • Hiis testibus Dominis
Willelnio de Keth marescallo Scocie Alexandre Fraser domino de Felorth militibus Alex-
andro de Keth Andrea de Koth Johanne Fraser Patricio de Craufourde Macolmo Marscele
Philippo de Drumbrek et Oliuero de Pantone cum multis alijs • (Liber Sancte Marie de
Melros, t. ii., pp. 487, 488. Edinb. 1837. 4to.) See also, p. 538.

Joaeta de Dunbare domina de Frendraicht resignauit vnum annuum redditum trium li-
branim de terris de Camestonc in fauorem Jacobi Gifferd de Schirefhall ■ Datum apud Frend-
rawcht octauo die mensis Maij anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo Nonagesimo
Sexto • (Id., pp. 618, 619.) The resignation is confirmed by her grandson, Schyr .
James off Crechtoun of Frendraucht knycht, at Edinburghe the xij day of Junij the yer
of God I™ iiij<= nynty and aucht yeris. (Id., p. 621.)

On the ninth of April, 1832, there was exhibited to the Society of the Antiquaries of
Scotland " a facsimile in lithography of the autograph subscription of Janet Dunbar
Countess of Murray, and lady of Frendraught, taken from a charter in the possession of
Alexander Dunbar, esquire, of Scrabster, in Caithness, dated the twenty-eighth of Sep.
tember, 1454. This subscription is remarkable as being perhaps the earliest known to be
affixed to any charter by a lady in Scotland." (Minutes of the Society of the Antiquaries
of Scotland, MS.)]

I [From a copy in the charter room at Slaines. See, as to Fordoue, The Miscellany
of the Spalding Club, vol. ii., pp. 323, 324.]

PRESBYTERY OF TURREFF— FORGUE. 525

me til haf layde in wed / and be thir my present lettres til haf wedsett / al
my landis of Fordone with the pertinentis lyand in The Estermonthe wythtin
the schirefdome of Perthe alsweU be the thride as the twa partis / tyl my
darrest erne Wilyeame the Haye lord of Errole and Constabil of Scotlande
for ■ XX • pundis of lauchful and vsuale mone of Scotlande [etc.'] To be
haldyn and to be hade to the said lord [eic] endurande the tyme quhil I the
saide James my ayris or myn assignayis to the saide Sehyr Wilyeame his
ayris or assignais the saide tuenti pundis in lauchful and vsuale mouant
mone of Scotlande togydder and alwais betuex the ryseyng and the togang-
ing of the sone of a day apon the hey altare of Ellone forthai sail haf
payit [eic] In vitnes of the quhilk thingis to thir present lettris my sele is
toput / and to the mayr sekyrnes the sele of a nobil man Robert Matulande
lord of Natyrdul togydder uith the sele of Wilyeame Forestar my bailye of
Frendraucht beforsayde / I haf toput my sele to thir presentis the tend
day of Februar the yere of our Lord a thousand foure hundreth tuenti and
foure • ]

3 X

526

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

IN THE PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH, OR OF
THE CHAPPEL OF THE GARIOCH.

THE CHAPPEL OF THE GARIOCH.

'•■^f HE Chappel of The Garioch, (called of old
'•j LoGYDURNO, ' when the church was there
situated,) hath for its tutelar the Blessed Virgin
Mary; and is said to have been founded, under
King James I., ^ by Alexander Stuart, Earl of
Mar, for praying for the souls of such as were
slain at Harlaw, A.D. m.cccc.xi.; at which battle
that Earl was general for the King. It was called The Chappel
of The Garioch, as being the chief one in this country, being
indeed a collegiate chappel, provided with six chaplains.* One of
these chaplainries was founded by Isabel Mortimer, widow to
Andrew third laird of Balquhain, who lost eleven sons for the
King in that battle, f Another was founded by the Lesleys of
Pitcaple.

' [" Before the reformation it would appear that there were three places of worship in
this parish, namely, Logie Durno, Fetternear, and a chapel, formerly called ' Capella Beatae
Mariae Virginis de Garvyach,' where the present parochical church is now built. Early in
the seventeenth century, the parsonage of Fetternear, lying on the north side of the river
Don, was annexed to that of Logie Durno on the north side of the Ury. The church was
then transferred from Logie Durno to its present situation, at the east end of the hill of
Benochie." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix., p. 560. Edinb.
1842 ; The Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xi., p. 300. Edinb. 1794.)]

- [In a roll of missing charters by King David II., is " Carta given by Christian Bruce
[sister of King Robert I. and Lady of The Garioch], of the lands of Edindurnache, in The
Garrioch, a hundred shillings furth of the lands of Gilberthill, in The Garrioche, to Our
Lady's Chappell in The Garrioch." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 54.)]

* Registrum Chartarum.

t Laurus Leslaeana [no. Iv : " Complures nati sunt ei liberi, ex quibus undecim filij in
pugna apud Harlau occubuere iliac loci, qui ex erecta inibi cruce nuncupatus est Leslies-
Crosse : hos filios suos, et ipse novem post annos secutus est, ubi a vice-comite provinciae
Angusiae 22 Januarij 1420. apud Brakoe est interfectus. Domina Isabella ejus uxor

PRESB. OF THE GARIOCH— CHAPEL OF THE GARIOCH. 527

Here were of old two parish churches ; that at Logydurno, Two parish
whereof the ruins yet remain, and that at Fetterneir, built "*^ ^^"

by Bishop of Aberdeen, where now the manner of

that name stands. It was a parsonage. In the Registnim Charta-
rum, in a charter of Gilbert Menzies, provost of Aberdeen, A.D.
M.D.xxix., I find Andrew CuUan, parson of Fetterneir, witness. '

Here also were three Chappels : Three

at Brako, built by Isabel Mortimer, daughter to ^pp^^-

Bernard Mortimer of Craigievar, on occasion of her husband, (Sir
Andrew Lesley, third laird of Balquhain,) his being slain here by
the Sheriff of Angus, January the twenty-second, A.D. M.cccc.xx.

at Fetterneir on Don, lately rebuilt, as being

the burial place of the Lesleys of Balquhain.

Saint Margaret's, at Lethinty.

There was an Hospital, at Pittodrie, for four poor men, An Hospital,
(founded under King Charles II. by William Erskin of Pittodrie,)
who ought to have each one peck of meal, and half a peck of
malt, weekly ; to wear livery gowns, and go to the church on
Sundays befor the family. It consists of two chambers and one
mid-room.

Fetterneir was of old a summer seat of the Bishop of Aber- Marmors.
deen ; and, during that time, Wallace having lodged in it one
night, that part of the house is yet called Wallace's Towr, from
him. At the reformation, this mannour and land was given to the
Lesleys of Balquhain, for their assisting the Earl of Huntley in
protecting the cathedral from the fury of the reformers. But, in
the last age. Hector Abercromby, (second son to Alexander Aber-
cromby of Birkenbog,) purchased it ; whose son, Alexander Aber-

eodem loci erexit capellatn, in qua cadaver ejus depositum est ; aliud itidem post ejus obitum
beneficiuni fundatum est, vi cujus in capella dicta de Garioch sacerdos aliquis pro ejus anima
Deo in perpetuum litaret."]

' [A.D. 1236, an agreement between Andrew Bishop of Murray, and Gylbert Bishop of
Aberdeen, is witnessed " Willelmo persona de Fetherner • Johanne vicario de Fyuerner •
et multis aliis." (Registrum Episcopatus Moraviensis, p. 101.)]

528 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

cromby of Fetterneir, (by Jean, daughter to John Seton of
Newark,) had Francis Abercromby of Fetterneir, (who, aftei-
having married the heiress of the Lord Sempil, was himself created
Lord Glasford, A.D. m.dc.lxxxv.,) and Patrick Abercromby,
M.D., (born here,) the author of " The Martial Atchievements of
the Scotish Nation," in two volumes. *

Balquhain, ' an old decayed court, belonging to Leslie of
Balquhain. This family is of above three hundi-ed and eighty
years' standing ; Sir George, the founder of it, having got the lands
of Balquhain, (as also Syde, Brako, and Knockingleus, f) from
King David II., by a charter dated A.D. m.ccc.xl. From which
Sir George the present James Leslie of Balquhain is the fourteenth
possessor of that estate, in direct descent ; though ther have been
in all seventeen gentlemen of this designation, (all stiled lairds of
Balquhain,) three of which were but collaterals. Besides which,
ther have been four Counts of Leslie of this family, the last of
which is now living at the Emperor's court.

The first of these Counts was Walter, (youngest son to John
tenth laird of Balquhain, by his third wife,) who having, in A.D.
M.DC.xxxiv., kiUed Count Wallstein, the Emperor's general, was
by Ferdinand II. made a colonel of the guards ; by Ferdinand III.
created Count Leslie, felt-marshal, privy-counseler, governour of
the frontiers of Sclavonia ; and by Leopold I. sent embassadour to
Constantinople, having just before been made Knight of the Golden
Fleece. This embassy was so magnificent, that Father Taffernier.

* Nisbet's Heraldry.

' [" About half a mile to the south east of the church, is to be seen the old ruinous
castle of Balquhain. In it Queen Mary spent a day on her journey to the north, which
terminated in the battle of Corrichie. [See G. Buchanan! Rer. Scotic. Hist., lib. xvii.,
c. xxxvi ; Gordon's History of the Gordons, vol. i., p. '2 13.] The only remains of the building
are a few shattered fragments of the court or quadrangle of which it at one time consisted,
and the noble square tower or keep, which was erected about the year 1530, to replace the
more ancient castle which had been burned down in a memorable feud with the Forbeses in
the year 1526. The walls are six feet thick." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland,
number xxxix., p. 582.)]

t Laurus Lescleana, num. 53.

PRESB. OF THE GARIOCH— CHAPEL OF THE GARIOCH. 529

a Jesuit, his confessor, and companion in it, printed a particular
account of it, (now in the hands of James Leslie of Balquhain.)
He dyed at Vienna, March the fourth, A.D. jm.dc.lxvii., aged
sixty-seven ; and was succeeded by James, (elder brother to the
late Count Patrick,) who gave timely succour to Vienna when be-
sieged by the Turks, and burnt the bridge and town of Essek when
the Turks defended it, and was therefor made a privy-counseler.
and president of the council of war for Austria.

I. The founder of the family of Balquhain was Sir George Leslie
of Balquhain, above-named, second son to Sir Andrew Leslie,

laird of Leslie, by daughter to the Lord Douglass. This

Sir George, dying A.D. m.ccc.li., left, by Elisabeth, daughter to
Keith of Inverugy,

II. Sir Hemelin Leslie of Balquhain ; who was buried with his

father in the church of Logydurno, and left, by daughter

to Maxwel of Carlavrock, (ancestor to the Earl of Nithisdale,)

III. Sir Andrew Leslie of Balquhain ; who had a long feud
with the Forbeses, and, having made an inroad on Strathawin, car-
ried off the laird of Innervin's daughter, called The Fair Maiden of
Strathawin ; ' and, being declared an outlaw, got himself up to
Bennachie, where he built a sort of fort for his defence, but was
at last killed by the Sheriff of Angus, January the twenty-second,
A.D. M.cccc.xx., at Brako : whereupon his widow founded a
chappel there, and also a chaplainry in The Chappel of The Garioch,
that in both places there might be prayers made for his soul. He
left, by Isabel, daughter to Bernard IMortimer of Craigyvar,

IV. Sir William Leslie of Balquhain, (knighted by King James
the First, at his coronation, A.D. m.cccc.xxiv.) ; who was thrice
married. By a second wife he had Alexander of Wardes and
George of New Leslie ; and by his third wife he had James of

' [" He went to Stradone (Strathdoun) and spuilyied these lands, and brought away
with him a heirship, and also a daughter to the baron of Crag of Eniravine (Inneravin)
chief of the Clan Allan. She was called The Fair Maid of Stradone." (Martin's Genea-
logical Collections, MS., Advocates' Library.)]

530 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Pitcaple. ' This Sir William, for bis bravery at tbe battle of
Brechin, (May the eighteenth, A.D. m.cccc.lii.,) got from Alex-
ander first Earl of Huntlie the lands of Kiucraigie in Mar, and
Abachie in Strathbogie. He lived in splendor, and died April the
eighteenth, A.D. m.cccc.lxvii., leaving, by bis first wife, Elisa-
beth, daughter to Eraser Lord Lovat,

V. Alexander Leslie of Balquhain ; who dying April the tenth,

A.D. M.cccc.Lxxii., left, by daughter to Gordon of

Cairnburrow,

VI. Patrick Leslie of Balquhain ; who lived in splendor, and,
dying April the sixteenth, A.D. M.cccc.xcvi., left, by Murriell,
daughter to Donald Grant of Grant,

VII. Sir William Leslie of Balquhain ; in whose time all Aber-
deenshire was divided in two factions, by means of the feud between
the Leslies and the Forbeses, which, after much blood, was taken
away by the Earl of Angus, and others of the privy council.
This Sir William purchased the lands of White-Cross, Inveramsay,
Pitbee, and Newlands ; and, after having rebuilt the castle of
Balquhain, which the Forbeses had brunt down, he died, A.D.
M.D.XLV., leaving, by Elisabeth, daughter to Ogilvie of Boyne,

VIII. Sir John Leslie of Balquhain ; who purchased many lands
belonging to the abbey of Lindors and bishoprick of Aberdeen,
and having gone over to France to consult physicians about his
health, which was much impaired, he died there, February the
first, A.D. M.D.LXi. leaving, by Elisabeth, daughter to Patrick
Leslie of Ardoyn,

IX. Sir William Leslie of Balquhain ; who, having supported the

' [" I find by a charter before me, dated the fifth of March, 1457, WilUam Leslie of
Balquhain, knight, resigning in the Sovereign's hands, the lands of Harlaw, Rasiuet,
barony of Pitcaple, and others, in favours of David Leslie, his eldest son of a second
marriage procreate between him and Euphame Lindsay, and that this lady was only child
to William Lindsay of Cairnie, second son to David first Earl of Crawfurd, who married
Janet daughter to King Robert II., and that the lairds of Balquhain got the said lands of
Cairnie by that marriage, of which the present lairds of Pitcaple are descended." (Nis-
bet's Heraldry, vol. ii., part iv., append., p. 73.)]

PRESB. OF THE GARIOCH— CHAPEL OF THE GARIOCH. 531

Bishop of Aberdeen against the reformers, and by arms preserved
him in his see, got from him the baronie of Fettemeir ; and, after
having entertained Queen Mary in bis house, and reconciled the
contending Earls of Huntlie and Athol, he died, August the third,
A.D. M.D.LXix., leaving by Jean, daughter to John Lord Forbes,
and vyiddow to Earl of Athol,

X. Sir John Leslie of Balquhain, who was thrice married, and
lived in such splendour that he was never wont to horse [with

fewer than twenty in his] retinue. He dyed July the

A.D. M.DC.xxii., leaving by his third wife Jean, daughter to
Erskine of Gogar, (second son to John Earl of Mar,)

XL Alexander Leslie of Balquhain ; who, living at Tidlos, had
commonly his designation from that place, and, dying about the
age of eighty, March the third, A.D. m.dc.lxxvii., left by Jean,
daughter to James Elphinston of Glack, (besides his eldest son,
James Count Leslie,)

XII. Patrick Leslie of Balquhain, and Count Leslie, privy coun-

seller to King James VII., who died October the A.D.

M.DCC.x. ; and, (besides his eldest son, the present James Count
Leslie, whom he had by his first wife,) left by his second wife,
Mary, daughter to Irvine of Drum,

XIII. George Leslie of Balquhain ; who, dying A.D. m.dcc.xv.,
at the age of thirty-five, left by Margaret, daughter to John Lord
Elphinston,

XIV. James Leslie of Balquhain, born May the twenty-fifth,

A.D. M.DCC.XI.

PiTCAPLE, an old castle, the seat of Leslie of Pitcaple.

LoGiE, a neat little house, built by the late Mr. James Elphin-
ston of Logic, (writer to the signet,) grandson to Elphinston of
Glack. These lands were formerly possessed by the Forbeses of
Logic, (the first of whom was Henry Forbes of Logie, son to Sir
John, second laird of Tolquhon,) but their house is now ruined.

TuLLOS, belonging to Leslie of Balquhain, built by Alexander
Lesley of Tullos.

532 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

PiTTODRiE, the seat of Erskin of Pittodrie, descended of Sir
[Thomas] Erskin of Brechin,' (a cadet of Dun,) secretary to King
James V. He exchanged, (very surprizingly,) the estate of Brechin
with the Earl of Mar, (who is said to have been his nephew,) for
that of Pittodrie, (then called the estate of Balhaggartie,) but his
son John, (by a daughter of Scrimgeour of Duddop,) was the first
who settled here. This John, by a daughter of Douglass of Glen-
bervey, had a son John ; who, by a daughter of Gordon of Cluny,
(son to the Earl of Huntley,) had a son Thomas ; who, by a daugh-
ter of Seton of Meldrum, (which daughter was one of the co-heir-
esses of that family,) had a son called also Thomas. This second
Thomas, (of Pittodrie,) had, (by a daughter of Auchinleck of Bal-
manno, in Strathardil,) a son caUed William ; which William, by a
daughter of Grant of Ballindalloch, had a son, (the present,) Thomas
Erskin of Pittodrie, whose heir, by a daughter of Burnet of Craig-
myle, is William Erskin.

Hard by Pittodrie is an obelisk, such as Boetius writes was wont
to be set up over the graves of great men, especially warriours.
'Tis a long broad stone, with figures of monsters and some unknown
instruments carved on it, not unlike to hieroglyphicks, which the
same Boetius writes were used in Scotland under the heathen
Kings. Theirs a draught of it in Gordon's Itinerarium Septentrio-
nale. ^ It is called The Maiden Stone, ' possibly from some war-

' [See the Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. ii., pref., pp. Ixxiii. — Ixxxv. ; pp.
173—208.]

2 [Plate lix., figs. i. and ii.]

3 [" On the declivity a little below, and northward of the seat of Pittodrie, on a road
side, is a remarkable thin stone, ten feet five inches above ground, and two feet and five
inches in breadth, and only nine inches thick, having figures of the warlike kind, though now
indistinct, cut on each side, excepting only one which pretty much resembles the target, with
a great slap in the south edge of it nigh to the top, which the country people fabulously call
The Devil's Slap, as having been made by him. It must certainly be much below ground,
as it stands firm, though leaning considerably to the east. It is said to have been erected
as a monument of a scuffle between the family of Forbes and that of Leslie of Bal-
quhayn, whose daughter, called The Maiden, one of the Forbeses had forcibly or clan-
destinely run away with ; and therefore it is ever more called The Maiden Stane to this

PRESB. OF THE GARIOCH— CHAPEL OF THE GARIOCH. 533

like lady buried under it ; and, very near it, ther is a rock called
The Maiden Castle, where the same lady may seem to have lived.
The country tradition here, (of a woman who, flying from the
Devil, was turned into a stone,) appears to prove nothing more
than that the origin of this monument is so antient, that the true
occasion of it cannot be traced: we are presented with a very
fable, because all memory of the fact is lost.

Lethinty, (annexed to Daviot,) which, having in the last age
past through several hands, belongs now to Skene of Lethinty,
brother to Skene of Dyce. It belonged formerly to the Urquharts,
and befor them to the Forbeses ; the first of whom was James, (son
to William Lord Forbes, by Christian Keith, daughter to Sir Wil-
liam Keith of Inverugy,) who got Lethinty by his marriage with
Margaret, daughter to William Forbes of Pitsligo, by whom he had
children living in A.D. ji.d.lxxx. *

nRUMLETHiN, belonging to Erskin of Fittodrie.

Here, at The Chapel of The Garioch, under King Charles II.,
William Leslie, son to William Leslie of Warthle, (in Rayn,) and
Anne, daughter to James Elphinston of Glack, was schoolmaster.
He was born A.D. m.dc.lvil; and about A.D. m.dc.lxxx., (being sent
for from Rome,) was made professor of divinity in Cardinal Bar-
barigo's college at Padua. (See Laurus Lesleana, number 83.) In
A.D. M.DCC.xvi., he was made Bishop of Weitsen, and the next
year Bishop of Labach, and Prince of the Empire. ' (For this I

day." (Description of the Country of The Garioch, in The Edinburgh Magazine, for
1760, p. 569.)]

* Lumsden's MS. [Genealogy of the Family of Forbes, pp. 12, 24, 26, 17, 28.]
1 ["It is worth remarking, that several of the schoolmasters of The Chapel of The Garioch
have made very considerable figures in life. It would be too tedious to specify them all ; but
I shall give one instance out of many. William Leslie arrived at the dignity of being ' His
Grace the Right Reverend the Bishop of Labach, Metropolitan of Carniola, S. R. I. Prince,
and Privy Counsellor to the Emperor' ; a sketch of whose life is as follows. He was born at
Little Wartle, in the parish of Rain, on Candlemas-day, 1657, being second son of William
Leslie, fifth laird of Wartle, of his marriage with Anne Elphinstone, daughter of Elphin-

3 Y

534 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

have seen a letter of his own to his brother, the late Alexander
Leslie of Warthle.)

stone of Glack, brother and representative of the learned and pious Bishop Elphinstone of
Aberdeen, chancellor of Scotland, founder of The King's College in Aberdeen, and a descend-
ant of the Lord Elphinston. After going through a course of classical learning at the
school of Rain, and finishing his academical studies at the universitj' of Aberdeen, he was
settled schoolmaster at The Chapel of The Garioch, where he remained for some years. In
this station Mr. William Leslie had the opportunity of paying his respects at pleasure to the
family of Balquhayn, his blood relations, though in a remote degree. This family, being
in the communion of the church of Rome, importuned Mr. Leslie to think of a change in his
religious sentiments, which at length he complied with. This induced him to think of visiting
foreign parts, and accordingly he left Scotland in the year 1684. The first account of his
preferment is, that, on his arrival at Rome, he was so greatly noted for his learning, as to
be made choice of, from his own merit, by his eminence Cardinal Barbarigo, to be professor
of theology in the university of Padua ; when he was only twenty-three years of age, says
the Laurus Leslaeana in the 83d branch : but this last part is a glaring error, as he was
twenty-seven years old when he left Scotland ; and therefore he must have been at least
twenty-eight, though I am inclined to think thirty-three, at his settlement in Padua ; be-
cause, upon going abroad, it behoved him to study not only the foreign languages, but
likewise theological learning, particularly school-divinity, in which he must have given
])ublic specimens of his proficiency before his promotion to a professor's chair.

" Another testimony of his learning and well regulated behaviour, when professor of theo-
logy in Padua, is an act of the university, with which they presented him on his leaving
Padua to visit his native country, being a masterly piece of poetry in the Italian language,
done on fine green silk, in praise of their professor Leslie, which, together with an original
picture of him, is in the custody of his grand-nephew, the present Alexander Leslie of War-
tie, esquire. It is needless to trouble the reader with the original ; the literal translation of
it is as follows : ' At the departure of the most illustrious Mr. William Leslie, a Scots pro-
fessor of theology in the college of his eminence Cardinal Barbarigo, Bishop of Padua,
A Song.' The allusions respect his country, as also the laurels of his ancestors. ' Since you
must now display your sails towards the north, may the Arctic stars, O Leslie, favour thee.
Thou art going, but carriest the better half of us among the storms of Neptune. Go, and
outdo both the arms and arts of thy forefathers, but with more noble deeds of peace ; and
join, twisting the one to the other, the laurels of Pallas to those of Mars, for a recompence
to thee, to whom every sage's reputation yields. Let the heavens condescend to waste
their fury into the sea of our tears. But if there, where heresy rose of old, thou couldest
thaw the frost that hardeneth it so much, we should adore thee amongst the northern con-
stellations.'

" The account of this learned professor's further promotions, is thus very modestly and
piously expressed in his letters to his brother Alexander Leslie, sixth laird of Wartle :
' February 25, 1718, Dear brother, I have endeavoured to purchase here credit and esteem in

PUESB. OF THE GARIOCH— CHAPEL OF THE GARIOCH 535

I have seen a poem, (printed in green silk, and in the hands of
Alexander Leslie of Warthle,) sent him by the professors of Padua,
on his leaving them to go to Scotland, which I shall here tran-
scribe :

" Gia ch' hai ver Borea a dispiegar le sarte
Sianti fauste, Lesleo, I'artiche stelle, etc."

all stations, and am more and more assured of his Majesty the Emperor's grace and clemency.
It has pleased his Majesty to transport me out of Hungary, which is a country not much
civilized, or cultivated as yet for conversation, nor secure from foreign or intestine wars.
And he gave me a much more honourable preferment, and seat, in the hereditary countries,
at Labach the metropolis of Carniola ; to which belong many estates, with fine castles, near
to the castle of Pittour, which belongs to Count Leslie. By means of this promotion, I am
advanced to the dignity of Prince of the Empire, which is a great honour to our name and
family, seeing none before was elevated to this title. This Emperor, whom God preserve,
not by reason or regard of borrowed merits, but, without vain glory, for my own comport-
ment, has advanced me within three years to three steps of honour, one higher than the
other. I would needs adventure the present to let you know that I live, (how lonii- God
knows, and his will be done,) in a most honourable station. Be pleased to present my
duty to all friends and relations. My residence is on the high post-way between Vienna
and Venice. In the mean time I remain, with all fraternal affection, etc'

" In a letter July 1, 1725, he says, ' You may direct to me in this manner, ' To the Bishop
of Labach, Metropolitan of Carniola, betwixt Vienna and Venice, Privy Counsellor to his
Imperial Majesty.' The title of right reverend here is due to others who are inferior to
bishops. And albeit I be Prince of the Empire, which the Emperor himself and all other
princes in Germany allow me, who enjoy the courtesy of their grace ; yet I am nowise de-
sirous of those titles in a foreign kingdom, much less in the Land of Cakes. I judo-e never,
theless fitting, that the graces and honours which his Majesty has bestowed on me, be known
to my best friends and nearest relations, as a badge of the esteem of the greatest of Mo-
narchs, and as an evidence of my comportment and behaviour, whereby I have not degene-
rated from my birth and pedigree.'

" In another letter he has the following paragraph : ' I represent a greater person in the
theatre of the world, than ever I could have aspired to, or flattered myself to obtain ; far
higher than I deserved, for which I wish I may be grateful to God and my master.'

" In these high stations he continued to his death, and in every scene of life demeaned
himself with great dignity and decency. He died in the year 1727, universally regretted
as an honour to his country.

" There is a remarkable anecdote in the original of the family, of which he was de-
scended, and is as follows. The first Leslie of Wartle, a son of Leslie of Wardhouse, became
Wartle by marrying the heiress of it, and had by her one and twenty children, of whom
eight sons and eight daughters were married when both the parents were alive." (Descrip-
tion of the Country of The Garioch, in the Edinburgh Magazine for 1760, pp. 570 572.)]

536 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[description of the parish of the CHAPPELL of the UARIOCH. by MR.
GORDON, MINISTER OF ALFORD, A.D. M.DCC.XXIV., AND MR. WILLIAM
ROBERTSON. '

The parish of The Chappel of The Garioch, which is tlie presbytery seat, hath, to
the west and north-west, the parish of Oyn ; to the north and north-east, the parishes
of Rain and Daviot; to the east, the parishes of Bourtie, Keithhall, and Inverury ;
to the south-east and south, the parish of Kemnay, and Monimusk on the south
side of Done. The church stands on a rising ground hard by a kirktoun. Through
this parish goes the King's highway from Aberdeen to Inverness, and from Aber-
deen to the high countrey. A lai'ge mile to the east from the church, lyes the
field of an ancient battle, called The Battle of Harlaw, from a countrey town of
that name hard by. This town and the field of battle, (which lyes along the
King's highway, upon a moor extending a short mile from south-east to north-
west,) stands on the north-east side of the water of Urie, and a small dis-
tance tlierefrom : which water takes its course from north-west to south-east, and
falls into the water of Done below Inverurie. This field is east from The Chappel
of The Garioch a mile ; south-east from Pitcaple half a mile ; north-east from Bal-
quhoyn half a mile ; north-west from Inverurie a mile and a half. To the west of
the field of battle, about half a mile, is a fermer's house called Leggtt's Den, hard
by which is a tomb, built in the form of a malt steep, of four large stones, covered
with a broad stone above ; where, as the countrey people generally report, Donald
of the Isles lyes buried, being slain in the battle : and, therefore, they call it com-
monly Donald's Tomb;^ and it is distant from the high way about twenty paces.
Near to this is a good countrey inn, called Miln of Pitcaple.

The church of The Chappel of The Garioch is surrounded with gentlemens
houses. To begin with the west :

The house of Pittodrie, the seat of the yErskines of Pittodrie, is west from the
church a short mile, hard by the foot of the hill of Bennocliie.

The house of Loggie, belonging to Sir John Elphinstoun of Logic, is north from
Pittodrie a long mile, north-west from the church a short mile. It stands closs on
the north bank of the water of Urie, east from the house of Westhall a long mile.
To the west of Loggie, a pair of butts, stands the old ruinous church of Loggie

' [From Macfarlane's Geograjihical Collections, MS.]

^ [" Some of the stones composing this tomb were in the situation above described till
about thirty years ago, when the tenant unfortunately removed them. One of them is still
shown as forming part of an embankment to prevent the water of Ury from encroaching
upon the farm of the mill of Pitcaple; but what became of the others is unknown." (The
New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix., p. 570. Edinb. 1842.)]

PRESB. OF THE GARIOCH— CHAPEL OF THE GARIOCH. 537

Durnie : the dykes of the church-yard are yet kept up, and many still bury
there.

The house of Pitcaple, the seat of the Leslies of Pitcaple, is built on the south
bank of the water of Uric, a mile to the east of Loggie, a long mile north-east
from the church, and two short miles north-east from Pittodrie.

The house of Poolwalls, belonging to Smith of Inveramsay, is north-east from
Pitcaple half a mile ; north from Harlaw, and the field of the foresaid battle, a
ipiarter of a mile ; north-east from the church a mile and a half.

The house of Lethenty, belonging to Skene of Lethenty, is east from Pitcaple
one mile ; north-east from Pittodrie three miles.

The house of Balquhoyn,' the old seat of the Leslyes of Balquhoyn, is east from
the church half a mile ; north-west from the burgh of Inverury two miles ; and
north-west from the city of Aberdeen twelve miles. One of the Lesleys of Bal-
quhoyn, who loved to indulge himself freely in his pleasures, to enjoy them with
more security, built a strong dyke round the highest Top of Bennochie ; and, be-
cause the passage to it lay through a great moss, he built a long causey through
the moss up to the fort, whither he brought such haudsom girles whom he fancied
and could forcibly carry away from their parents and friends, defending himself,
by means of this fort and straitness of the place, against such as pursued after him
to recover their ravished relations. The dyke and causey are to be seen there to
this day. The countrey people have a long fabulous story of a giant who lived
on the top of this hill, and did many acts of violence to the neighbouring countrey ;
but the rise of this is from the laird of Balquhoyn forsaid, whose story is matter
of fact.

The house of Fetternier, the now ordinary and principall residence of the lairds
of Balquhoyn, is south from Balquhoyn three miles. It is almost ruinous, and
stands near to and on the north side of the water of Don.

The house of TuUos, belonging to Balquhain, is north-west from Fetterneei'
four miles ; south-east from Pittodrie one mile.

The house of Dorlaithein, belonging to Pittodrie, is south-east from Pittodrie
one mile and a half; south-west from the church one mile.

Carta terre de Balehaghirdy in le Garuiauche -^ (1355 — 1357.)

Omnibus [etc.'] Thomas Comes de Marre / et Dominus de Garuiauche ■
Salutem in Domino sempiternam • ■ Nouerit vniuersitas vestra • nos pro

' [" There is a Druidical circle near the old ruinous castle of Balquhain." (Statistical
Account of Scotland, vol. xi., p. 504. Edinb. 1794.)]

■^ [From the original in the charter chest at Pittodrie. In a roll of missing charters by
King David II., are " Carta given by Christian Bruce, Ladie Garviache, to Andrew But-

538 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

nobis et heredibus nostris ■ dedisse • [etc.l i dilecto et speciali confederate
nostro • Domino Roberto de Erskyne militi / et karissime consanguinee
nostra • Domine Cristiane de Kethe • sponse sue / ac eorum diucius
viuenti • pro eiusdem Domini Roberti horaagio / et seruicio nobis impenso /
et impendendo • tolas terras nostras infrasci'iptas / cum pertinenciis earun-
dem ■ infra dominium nostrum de Garuiauche predictum / existentes /
videlicet / terras de Balehaghirdy • de Bundys / de Knockynglas / de
Inuiralmusy • et molendinum de Inuiralmusy ■ cum multura eidem molen-
dino / aliquo tempore preterite / debita et consueta • Et dimidietatem
terre de Drumdornauche • dicto dominio / nostro de Garuiauche / perti-
nentem / Et terras de Petskurry • de Petbey • de Pettochery et de New-
landys • vna cum quatuor marcis sterlingorum de annuo redditu nobis
debito / per Abbatem / et conuentum de Lundores / de terra de Flandres /
percipiendis annuatim ■ per eosdera Abbatem et conuentum • Tenendas
[eic] dictis Domino Roberto / et Domine Cristiane sponse sue ■ et eorum
diucius viuenti • et heredibus inter ipsos / legittime procreatis / seu pro-
creandis / qui si forte defecerint • heredibus predict! Domini Roberti / de
nobis et heredibus nostris / in feodo / et in hereditate inperpetuum • [etcJ]
cum natiuis earundem terrarum / et eorum sequelis • in boscis [etc.'] ■ et
cum communi pastura in foresta de Benechkey • et in siUiis de Alde-
clochy • scilicet omnes et singulas terras predictas cum pertinenciis / in
vnam integram et liberam baroniam / cum furca et fossa [etc.] Reddendo
[efc.] nobis et heredibus nostris / forinsecum seruicium / in communi
exercitu domini nostri Regis • quantum pertinet ad terras predictas • Et
tres sectas curie ad tria placita nostra capitalia de Garuiauche annuatim •
[etc.] ■ ■ In cuius rei testimonium ■ presenti carte nostre ■ sigillum nostrum
est appensum • Hiis testibus • venerabili in Xpo patre • Domino Alex-
andre Dei gracia • Episcopo Abirdonensi • Dorainis Johanne et Willelmo
de Aberbrothe [et de Lundores] abbatibus • Domino Willelmo comite de
Douglas • karissimo fratre nostro • Willelmo de Kethe • marescallo
Scocie • Dominis Waltero Mogyne • Johanne de Strathachyn et Lau-
rencio GyUbrande • militibus / Magistris Johanne de Cromdole canonico

tergask, of the lands of Meiklewardurs, Inueralmessie, Knokinglass, within tlie lordship of
Garioche, etc." ; — " Carta by Christian Bruce, to Ade Buttergask, of the lands of Wich-
cross, within the regality of Garrioche." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, pp. 34, 59.)
See as to the lands of Petbe, Inueramsay, and Newlandis, the Acta Dominorum Concilii,
pp. 66, 79, 80 ; and, as to the lands of Petskurry, p. 391, and Robertson's Parliamentary
Records of Scotland, p. 460.]

PRESB. OF THE GARIOCH— CHAPEL OF THE GARIOCH. 539

Rossense • et Dauid de Marr thesaurario Morauiensi • Domino Johanne
de Marre canonico Abirdonensi • Waltero Bysethe • domino de Lossyn-
drum ■ Johanne Prat et Johanne de Bothirgask ac multis aliis •

Carta contirraaeionis Regis / terrarum itFle/jll^i^uche ■' (a.d. 1357.)

Dauid Dei gracia • ■ Rex Scottorum • Omnibus [e<c.] Sciatis nos in-
spexisse / quandam cartam / Thome Comitis de Marre • et Domini de
Garuiauche consanguinei nostri • ipsius sigillo munitam / non cancellatara /
nee abolitam / neque in aliqua sui parte vieiatam / in hec verba ■ • Omnibus
[etc. ut supra, pp. 537 — 539.] • ■ Quas / quidem donacionem [etc.'] ratifica-
mus / approbamus • et per presentes confirmamus / In quarum ratificacionis /
approbacionis • et confirmacionis nostrarum testimonium / sigUlum nostrum
precepimus apponi • Testibus • venerabilibus in Xpo patribus ■ Willelmo
Dei gracia • episcopo Sancti Andree • et Patricio eadem gracia • epis-
copo Brechinensi cancellario nostro • tunc • Roberto senescallo nostro
Scocie / et Comite de Stratherne / nepote nostro • Willelmo Comite de
Rosse • consanguineo nostro • Willelmo de Cunyngham / Willelmo de
Leuyngstoun i et Hugone de Eglyntoun militibus • Apud Scone ■ in
pleno .parliamento nostro • tento ibidem ■ Duodecimo die mensis Nouem-
bris • • Anno regni nostri • Vicesimo None •

Carta terrarum in le Garviauche data per Dauid Regem ■' (a.d. 1367.)

Dauid Dei gracia Rex Scottorum ■ • Omnibus [etc.'] Sciatis nos dedisse
[etc.] dilecto consanguineo nostro • Roberto de Erskyne militi • pro ho-
magio et seruicio suo nobis impenso et impendendo • ac Cristiane de Kethe
sponse sue • Totas terras nostras infrascriptas / cum pertinenciis • infra
dominium de Garviauche existentes • videlicet terras de Balehaghirdy • de
Bundys ■ [etc. ut supra, p. 538, usque ad] de terra de Flandris annuatim
percipiendis • per eosdeni Abbatem et conuentum ■ Quod quidem dominium
cum pertinenciis • ex certa causa in nostris manibus iam existit • Tenendas
[etc.] de nobis et heredibus nostris in feodo [etc.] cum natiuis predictariira
terrarum • et eorum sequelis [etc.] Reddendo [etc.] nobis et heredibus
nostris / forinsecum seruiciura in communi exercitu nostro • quantum
pertinet ad terras predictas • et tres sectas curie ad tria capitalia placita

• [From the original in the charter chest at Pittodrie.]

540 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN. '

nostra de Garviauche annuatim [etc.'] In cuius rei testimonium present!
carte nostre sigillum nostrum precepimus apponi ■ Testibus venerabilibus
in Xpo patribus • Willehno episcopo Sancti Andree • Waltero episcopo
Glasguensi • et Patricio episcopo Brecbinensi cancellario nostro • Roberto
senescallo Scocie comite de Stratberne nepote nostro • Patricio comite
Marchie et Morauie • Willelmo comite de Douglas • Willelmo de Kethe
marescallo nostro Scocie • Arcbebaldo de Douglas • Hugone de Eglyng-
toun • et Waltero de Halyburtoun • militibus • Apud Striuelyne quarto
die mensis Julij • Anno regni nostri • Tricesimo Nono ■ •

Carta Dauid de Abircrumby et Mergarate de Lesley •' (a.d. 1391.)

Omnibus [e<c.] Andreas de Lesley dominus eiusdem miles ■ Salutem in
omnium Saluatore ■ Noueritis me cum consensu et assensu Domini Nor-
manni de Lesley militis filij mei et heredis dedisse [etc.'] Dauid de Abir-
crumby et Mergarete sponse sue sorori mee carissime in libero maritagio
cranes et singulas terras meas de Achqwborchy de Achqvvhorsk et de Blar-
daf cum pertinenciis suis iacentes in regalitate de Garvyach • infra viceco-
mitatum de Abirden ■ ■ Tenendas [etc.] prefatis Dauid et Mergarete ac
eorum diucius viuenti / heredibusque inter ipsos legitime procreatis seu
procreandis quibus forte deficientibus raichi et heredibus meis quibuscunque
in feodo [etc.] de me et heredibus meis dominis de Lesley imperpetuum / per
omnes rectas metas [etc.] cum bondis / bondagijs natiuis et eoruni sequelis
[etc.] Faciendo [etc.] michi et heredibus meis dominis de Lesley sectam
communem ad curias nostras tenendas infra baroniam de Lesley • [etc.]
Volo tamen quod omnes tenentes et singuli qui inhabitauerint terras meas
de Lesley capiant et h[abeant] miremia sibi necessaria ad opera sua infra
dictas terras meas quoties indiguent de boscis et siluis de Achqwhorsk
absque impedimento qua[licunque] In cuius rei testimonium sigillum meum
presenti carte apposui Apud Lesley penultimo die mensis Maij anno
Domini millesimo Tricentesimo nonogesimo primo / Testibus venerabili
in Xpo patre Domino Gylberto Dei gracia Abirdonensi episcopo / Domi-
nis / Jacobo Frasir domino de Frendracht / Alexandre Frasir domino de
Phylorth / Johanne de Gordoun domino eiusdem / Andrea de Lesley con-
sanguineo meo carissimo militibus ac aliis multis •

' [From the original in the charter chest at Fetterneir.]

PRESB. OF THE GARIOCH— CHAPEL OF THE GARIOCH. 541

Preceptum saisine terrarum de Selby et de Loclitillok • ' (a.d. 1433.)
Alexander Stewartus comes de Marr et de Garuiauch dileeto fratri nostro
Andrea Stewarto militi balliuo nostro comitatus de Garuiauch hac vice
specialiter constitute salutem Sciatis quod concessimus hereditarie dileeto
nostro Willelmo de Lesly de Balchane totas et integras terras nostras de
Selby et de Loclitillok cum pertinenciis jacentes in comitatu nostro de ly
Garuiauch infra vicecoraitatum de Abirdene Quare vobis precipimus et
mandamus quatenus eidem Willelmo vel suo certo actornato latori pre-
sencium saisinam et possessionem hereditarie dictarum terrarum cum
pertinenciis iuste liberari faciatis et sine dilacione Secundum formam
tamen et tenorem carte noslre talliatus de terris baronie de Balchane
quam inde habet [e^c] Datum sub sigillo nostro apud castrum nostrum
de Kyudromy decimo die mensis Decembris anno Domini millesimo
quadringentesimo tricesimo tercio • •

Letre of sesing of the half of Drumdurnach • ^ (a.d. 1453.)

Be it maide kende til al men be thir present lettris me Wilyame of Lesly
of Balquhane knycht bailye till our Souerane Lade the Queue of the
regalite of The Garvyach til hafe giffin heritabil state and possessioun
til Jonn of Wenton of the Andate of half the landis of Drumdurnoch
with the pertinentis lyande within the forsaide regalite efter the fourme
and the effect of our Souerane Lordis the Kyngis breues direckyt thar-
apoun til me And this til al that affeyris I mak it knawin be thir my
present lettris In the witnes of the quhilkis til thir my present letris I
haf set to my sele at Wardris the xxiij dai of the moneth of Maij the yer
of our Lord ane thousand four hundreth fyiftie and three yeris befor thir
witnes Jorg of Lesly Malcome Mortimar Jon Atkynson Robert Watson
and Androw Craik with vtheris sindry

Carta confirmacionis terre de Drumdornoc ■ ^ (a.d. 1457.)

Jacobus Dei gracia Rex Scotorum • Omnibus [etc.'] Sciatis nos dedisse
[etc.] dileeto nostro Johanni [de] Wyn[tou]ne dimidietatem terrarum de

' [From the original in the charter chest at Fetterneir.]

- [From the original in the charter chest at Fetterneir. On the same parchment is a
Latin version of the same attestation, apparently of the same date.]
3 [From the original in the charter chest at Fetterneir.]

3 z

542 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Drumdornoc cum pertinenciis jacentem in comitatu de Garvlach infra vice-
coraitatum nostrum de Abirdene Quequidem dimidietas terrarum \_etc.']
fuit dicti Johannis hereditarie et quam idem Johannes [eic] in manus nos-
tras apud Abirdene per fustem et baculum [etc.'] sursum reddidit [etcJ]
Tenendam letc.] de nobis [etc.'] In cuius rei testimonium presenti carte nos-
tre magnum sigillum nostrum apponi precepimus Testibus reuerendis in
Xpo patribus Georgeo episcopo Brechinensi nostro cancellario Thoraa epis-
copo Candidecase nostri priuati sigilli custode dilectis consanguineis nostris
Patricio domino Grahame Alexandro domino Montgomere Patricio domino
Glammys Jacobo domino Forbes magistris Jacobo Stewart decano 3Io-
rauiensi thesaurario nostro Thoma Vauss decano Glasguensi secretario
nostro et Niniano Spot nostrorum compotorum rotulatore Apud Edin-
burgh decimo quinto die mensis Martij anno Domini millesimo quadrin-
gentesimo quinquagesimo septimo Et regni nostri vicesimo secundo

Contirmatio Domini Pape Domini Clementis X.' (a.d. 1070.)

CLEMENS PP. X.
Ad PERPETVAM rei MEMORIAM. Militantis ecclesiae regi-
mini meritis licet imparibus per ineflabilem diuinae sapientiae, atque
clementiae abundantiam praepositi, ilia quae a Praelatis, et personis ec-
clesiasticis ad fidei Catholicae bonorumque et iurum ecclesiasticorum con-
seruationem in fauorem personarum eiusdera fidei tuendae zelo praeclarisque
in ecclesiam meritis conspicuarum prouide atque salubriter facta esse di-
cuntur, ut firma semper atque inuiolabilia persistant libenter dum id a nobis
petitur apostolici muniminis praesidio constabilimus. Exponi siquidem
nobis nuper fecit dilectus filius Alexander Abercambri baro de Balquehane
Scotus, quod dudum cum tunc in humanis agens Baro Guillelmus Lessleius
auus decern millia librarum monetae Scotiae tunc existentibus Episcopo et
canonicis ecclesiae Aberdonensis in subuentionem ciuitatis Aberdonensis,
et ecclesiae huiusmodi tunc temporis propter ciuium dissensiones et excitatas
ab orthodoxae fidei hostibus persecutiones in angustias redactae erant
praestitisset, et non solum ipse Guillelmus sed etiam quondam Baro eius
genitor qui ad instantiam et preces dicti Episcopi et canonicorum in dicta
ciuitate ut ad illius defensionem eo promptiores essent habitare elegerant
ciuitatem predietam ab huiusmodi fidei orthodoxae hostibus longo tempore

1 [From the original in the charter chest at Fetterneir.]

PRESB. OF THE GARIOCH— CHAPEL OF THE GARIOCH. 543

personaliter armata manu suisque semper expensis egregie et fideliter de-
fendissent, et praeseruassent ijdem Episcopus et canonici pecuniaruni huius-
modi in ecclesiae utilitateni, et fidei Catholicae tuitionem erogatanim iiecnon
seruitiorum a memoratis Joanne et Guillelmo laudabiliter praestitorum con-
templatione eundem Guillelmum aliqua grati animi significatione prosequi
cupientes capitulariter congregati de communi consensu, maturaque prius
desuper habita deliberatione vocatis omnibus interesse babentibus, ac ser-
uatis omnibus solemnitatibus ad huiusmodi alienationes a statutis et consue-
tudinibus regni Scotie requisitis Baroniam de Fetternir cum arce, terris,
piscandi iure, molendinis et alijs pertinentijs suis ipsi Guillelmo eiusque
descendentibus masculis inperpetuum infeudarunt ea lege ut dictus Guillel-
mus eiusque descendentes pro tempore feudatarj fidem Catholicam Roma-
nam profiterentur, et quisquis eorum, homagium et fidelitatem pro tempore
existeutibus Episcopo et canonicis dictae ecclesiae Aberdonensis iuraret, ac
nonnullos annuos canones pro numero terrarum et locorum infeudatorum
proportionatim impositos pro vna in die festo Pentecostes, et altera ratis
partibus in festo Sancti Martini ipsis Episcopo et canonicis persoluerent
sub poena caducitatis eo ipso incurrenda si eosdem canones huiusmodi in
terminis non soluissent, ac sub alijs conditionibus prout in publico desuper
die octaua Junij mdl xvj confecto instrumento uberius dicitur contineri.
Cum autem sicut eadem expositio subiungebat dictus Alexander qui (ut
asserit) orthodoxae fidei candorem in se conseruat illibatum et uti prefati
Guillelmi successor dictam Baroniam de presenti pacifice possidet licet de
validitate infeudationis huiusmodi quae centum et amplius annorum posses-
sione roborata est minime dubitet, illam turn que firmius subsistat apostolicae
confirmationis nostrae robore communiri summopere desideret Baroniamque
predictam si (quod non timetur) dicta infeudatio nullitatis initio laboraret
ad assertum modernum Episcopum Aberdonensem haereticum deueniret.
Nos dicto Alexandre gratiam facere volentes eumque a quibusuis excom-
municacionis suspensionis et interdicti, alijsque ecclesie sententijs, censuris
et poenis a iure, uel ab homine quauis occasione, uel causa latis si quibus
quomodolibet innodatus extiterit ad effectum presentium tantum consequen-
dum harum serie absoluentes, et absolutum fore consentes. Supplicationi-
bus eius nomine nobis super hoc humiliter porrectis inclinati de venera-
bilium fratrum nostrorum S. R. E. Cardinalium negocijs et consultationibus
Episcoporum et Regularium praepositorum qui dilectum filium Rectorem

544 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Collegij Scotorum de vrbe audiuerunt consilio veris existentibus narratis
infeudationein predictam cum conditionibus restrictiuis et annua pensione
supra expressis auctoritate apostolica tenore presentium confirmamus, et
approbamus, illique inuiolabilis apostolicae firmitatis robur adjcimus, ac
omnes et singulos iuris et facti defectus siqui desuper quomodolibet inter-
uenerint supplemus Salua turn semper in praemissis auctoritate congrega-
tionis eorundem Cardinalium decetero necnon easdem presentes literas
firmas et efficaces existere et fore suosque plenarios et integros eifectus
sortiri et obtinere ac dicto Alexandre et alijs ad quos spectat et pro tem-
pore spectabit in omnibus et per omnia plenissime sufFragari sicque in
praemissis per quoscumque judices ordinaries et delegates et causarum
palatij apostelici auditores iudicari et deiiniri debere ac nullum et inane
quidquid secus super his a quoquam quauis auctoritate scienter uel ignanter
contigerlt attentari. Nonobstantibus felicis recordationis Pauli ij et alio-
rum Romanorum Pontificum praedecessorum nestrorum de rebus ecclesiae
non alienandis, alijsque constitutionibus, et ordinationibus apostolicis ac
quatenus opus sit dictae ecclesiae Aberdonensi etiam iuramento contirma-
tione apostolica, uel quauis firmitate alia roboratis statutis et consuetudini-
bus, priuilegijs quoque indultis et Uteris apostolicis incontrarium praemis-
sorum quomodolibet concessis confirmatis et innouatis. Quibus omnibus et
singulis illorum tenores presentibus pro plene et sufEcienter expressis et
insertis habentes iUis alias in sue robore permansuris ad praemissorum
efFectum hac uice dumtaxat specialiter et expresse derogamus caeteris-
que contrarijs quibuscumque Datum Romae apud Sanctam Mariam
maiorem sub annulo piscatoris die XX. Septembris mdcIxx Pontificatus
nostri Anno Prime]

i^,<J^

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— LESLEY. 545

LESLEY.

i^^^ay ESLEY has two silver chalices, gifted to it by Mr.
William Watson, late minister there ; who also
gave ' four burses, (or exhibitions,) to the King's
College, two for students in philosophy, and two
for students in divinity.

at ChaPPELTON. ' Clmppel.

Leslie, the original seat of the first and chief Mannor.
family of Leslie, (now represented by the Earl of Rothes, who, in
memory of this, now calls his house in Fife, Leslie,) though pos-
sessed in the last age by the Forbeses of Leslie, (descended of those
of Monimusk,) and now the seat of Leith of Liethall. The present
house ^ was built by William Forbes of Leslie, its first possessor of
the surname.

' [In the year 1699. See Evidence taken by the Royal Commissioners on the Univer-
sities of Scotland, vol. iv., Aberdeen, p. 203. Presented to both houses of parliament by
command of His Majesty. Lond. 183". fol.]

2 [" On the south-west of the church is Chapelton, where there had been once a chapel.
The ruins were dug up many years ago. The font stone is still to be seen in one of the
buildings of the farm-steading. There is a tradition, that the farmer, who removed the
stones, lost the whole of his horses, and one race of horses after another, till he was com-
pletely ruined, and obliged to give up the lease of his farm." (The New Statistical Account
of Scotland, number xlii., p. 1022. Edinb. 1843.)

" With regard to antiquities, this parish has little to boast. The remains of two Druidi-
cal temples still appear ; but neither of them is very entire. At the Head of The Den of
Chapeltown, on the east side of the road leading from Lesly to Alford, there is a place
called The Four Lords' Seat, or Little John's Length. It is a small circular artificial hol-
low, about five feet in diameter, and three or four feet deep. Tradition re|)orts that four
different proprietors met at that place, and dined together, each of them sitting on his own
ground." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. viii., p. 318. Edinb. 1793.)]

3 [" It was founded, as appears from an inscription on the walls, on the seventeenth of
June, 1661. It was inclosed by a rampart and fosse. The drawbridge was on the west,
and guarded by a watch tower, over the gate of which is the date 1643. Over the door of
the house or castle is the inscription : ' haec corpvs • stdera mentem • ' The Forbes
coat of arms is to be seen in several places. The builder, William Forbes, was buried in
the churchyard of Leslie. On his tombstone is the following inscription : • here lyes

546 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[description of the parish of LESLIE. BY MR. GORDON, MINISTER OF
ALFORD. M.DCC.XXIV. AND MK. WILLIAM ROBERTSON. '

J- he parish of LesHe hath, on the south, the hills of Leslie ; to the west, the parish
ofClatt; to the north-west, the parish of Kinethmount ; to the north, the parish
of Insch ; and to the east, the parish of Premnay.

The church is on the south side of a burn, called, before it comes that length,
the burn of Leslie, but afterwards, the water of Gaudie. It runs from west to
east through the parishes of Clatt, Leslie, Premnay, and Oyn ; and falls into the
water of Urie a little below the kirk of Oyn.

The house of Leslie, now belonging to the laird of Leith-hall, stands on the
north side of that burn or rivolet, hard by the church, or within a gunshott of it.

The house of New Lesly ^ lyes a mile to the north-west from the church,
upon the brow of a green hill of the same name : the house is gone to ruine, but
there is very good fir planting.

This whole parish is a very good and fertile soil, pleasantly situate on both
sides of the water of Gawdie ; which runs in the middle of a pleasant valley,
betwixt a ridge of great hills to the south, and another large green hill to the
north ; beyond which the parish extends till it is bounded by Insh and Kenneth-
mont.

Carta comitis Dauid ■ de Lesslyn • ^ (1171 — 1199.)

• Dauid • frater Regis Scocie • Ornnibus probis hominibus tocius terra
sue . clericis et laicis • Francis et Anglis • Flamingis • et Scotis • tam

WILLIAM FOBBE8 OFF LESLIE WHO LYVED FIFTY FYVE YEIBS AND DEPAIRTED THIS

LYFE NOVEMBER 12 • 1670 YEiRS.' " (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, num-
ber xlii., pp. 1022, 1023.) The continuation of Mr. Matthew Lumsden's Genealogy of the
Family oi Forbes,' from his death in 1580 to the year 1665, is commonly ascribed to
Mr. William Forbes, laird of Lesly.]
' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [The estate of New Lesly was, in the seventeenth century, possessed by Dr. Arihur
Johnstone, in whose verses the pleasant stream of the Gady is so often commemorated :

" Crede mihi, toti notus jam Gadius orbi est."

(Art. lonstoni Poemata Omnia, p. 311.) See Mr. Alexander Johnston's Genealogical
Account of the Family of Johnston, p. 37.]

3 [From a copy in Martin's Genealogical Collections, vol. ii., MS. : " These three char-
ters arc in the hands of the laird of Lessly, which were procured me by Sir Samuel Forbes
of Foverane, and clear very fully three successions of the house of Lessly from the time

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— LESLEY. 547

presentibus quam futuris • Salutem • Sciatis me dedisse • et concessisse •
et hac carta mea confirmasse • Malcolmo • filio Bartholf • totam terram
suam de • Lesslyn • sicut perambulata fuit coram • M • Episcopo de
Abirden • et per probos homines meos • Et • Hacbingal • per rectas
diuisas suas • Et • Mile • per rectas diuisas suas • cum omnibus iustis
pertinenciis suis • et libertatibus • in bosco et piano • in terris et agris •
in pratis et pascuis • in moris • et messis • et maresiis • in ecclesiis et
capellis • in molendinis et stangnis • in uiuariis et piscariis • et omnibus
aliis aysiamentis • Tenendas sibi et heredibus suis • de me et heredibus
meis • in feodo et hereditate • libere • et quiete • et honorifice • cum
sacca et socco • cum tol • et them • et infangandthef • et omnibus aliis
libertatibus • preter fossam • Per seruicium vnius militis • Testibus
• M • Episcopo de Abirden • Malcolmo filio comitis de Anegus .... filio
. . . ■ Brouiss iudice • R • de Kerneil • Hereberto de Arches • Allano
filio Hugonis • Waltero de Bosyth • Gilleberto de Lancas • Nicolao de
Aelles • Willelrao de Vaial •

Carta Johannis comitis de Huntingtoune ■ ' (1219 — 1237.)

Omnibus hoc scriptum uisuris uel audituris • Johannes • comes de Hunt-
ingtoun • Salutem • Noueritis me concessisse ■ et hac presenti carta mea
confirmasse • Normanno filio Malcolmi • terram de • Lesselyn • et Achna-
gart • et Mile • Tenendam sibi et heredibus suis • de me et heredibus
meis • in feodo et hereditate • per suas rectas diuisas • cum omnibus per-
tinenciis et libertatibus suis • sicut carta patris mei quam inde habet testa-
tur • Excepta donacione • ecclesie de Lesselyn • quam dictus Normannus
dedit Abbacie de Lundores ■ et monachis ibidem Deo seruientibus • sicut
carta ipsius Normanni quam idem monachi inde babent testatur • Dedi
eciam ■ et concessi • eidem Normanno • et heredibus suis • totam terram

de per suas rectas diuisas ■ et cum omnibus pertinenciis

suis ad incrementum predictarum terrarum • Faciendo inde michi et here-
dibus meis • pro omnibus prenominatis terris • seruicium feodi vnius mi-

they got the lands of Lessly from David Earl of Huntingdon, brother to Malcolm and
William, both Kings of Scotland, and who calls himself usually, in charters and other deeds,
David fraler Regis Scocic. The fourth of the line of the Lessly family, as is plain and
evident from charters, is Alfornus, who yet has not used the sirname of Lessly, as we see
clearly from the charter granted by King Alexander."]

' [From a copy in Martin's Genealogical Collections, vol. ii., MS.]

548 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

litis • Hisce testibus • domino Johanne tunc abbati de Lundoris • Henrico
de Brechin et Henrico de Striuelyn fratribus meis • Roberto de Campa-
nia • Henrico de Freuill ■ Johanne de Bruiss • Henrico de Boysuill •
Dauid de Andrus • et Wilhehno de Cull •

Carta Regis Alexandri de Lysslyn in foresta • ' (1247 — 1248.)
Alexander • Dei gracia Rex Scotorum • Omnibus [eic.l Sciatis nos ad
instanclam Isobile de Bruiss • et Robert! de Bruiss filii sui • concessisse ■
Alforno filio Normanni • constabulario • tenenti suo • vt terram suam de
Lysslyn et boscum suum de Lysslyn • quas de eis tenet • habeat in liberam
forestam • Quare firmiter prohibemus ne quia in dicto bosco • sine eius licencia
special! • secet aut uenetur • super nostram plenariam forisfacturam decern
librarum • Testibus • Willelrao comite de Mar • Alexandro filio Walteri
senescallo • Johanne Cumyn • et iSlicolao de Soulis • Apvd Edinburg •
quarto die mensis anno regni nostri - Tricesimo Quarto •

Carta confirmacionis Johanni de Mar • ^ (a.d. 1357.)

Ii.inij Dauidis confirmation of ane charter granted be Thomas Comes de
Mar dominus de Cauers et del Garuyauch et camerarius Scocie etc. di-
lecto et special! clerico suo Johanni de Mar canonico Aberdonens! / totam
terram suam de Cruterystoun in le Garuyauch infra vicecomitatum de Abir-
dene • Tenendam et habendam dictis domino Johanni et suis assignatis de
nobis etc. per omnes rectas metas suas et diuisas suas ■ sine homagio seu
warda releuio vel secta curie • libere • quiete ■ etc. cum omnibus rectitu-
dinibus consuetudinibus et iustis pertinenciis etc. vna cum lege Fleminga
que dicitur Fleming lauch • Reddendo inde etc. vnum denarium argenti
qui vocatur sterlingus etc. nomine albe firme • Saluo forinseco seruicio Do-
mini Regis quantum ad dictam terram de iure pertinet etc. Testibus / vene-
rabili in Christo patre Domino Alexandro Dei gracia Episcopo Aberdon-
ensi • Willelmo de Keth marescallo Scocie • Dominis Waltero de Moigne /

' [From a copy in Martin's Genealogical Collections, vol. ii., MS.]
- [From the Earl of Haddington's Collection of Charters, vol. ii,, MS. See also
Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 61 : " Carta [confirmacionis Regis Dauid II.] to
John Marr, channon of Aberdene, and prebendary of the kirk of Inucrnauchty, of the
lands of Cruterstoun, in The Garrioch, vicecomitatu de Aberden, given by Thomas Earl of
Marr, Lord Garrioche and Cavers, una cum Lege Fleraynga dicitur Fleming Lauche.
Liddell, then Sheriff of Aberdene, is witness."]

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— LESLEY. 549

Laurencio Gylibrando / Johanne de Strauthechyn / et Willelmo de Ledale
tunc vicecomite de Abirdene militibus • The loitnessis to the Kingis con-
firmation Willelmo episcopo Sanctiandree etc. Apud Perth vigesimo se-
cundo die Nouembris anno regni nostri vigesimo none •

Carta de Crutheyriston • ' (a.d. 1368.)

Dauid Dei gracia ■ ■ Rex Scottorum • • Omnibus probis hominibus
tocius terre sue clericis et laicis Salutem • • Sciatis nos dedisse et con-
cessisse et hac presenti carta nostra confirmasse dilecto et fideli nostro
Johanni Lyvn pro fideli seruicio sue nobis impenso et impendendo omnes
et singulas terras nostras de Cruthyeristoun cum pertinencijs infra partes
de Garviach infra vicecomitatum de Abirden que fuerunt quondam Dauid
de Breichyn militis / et que racione foresfacture eiusdem quondam Dauid
nos contingunt / Eciam et quas terras cum pertinencijs alias consanguineus
noster Thomas comes de Marr dum terre de Garviach in manibus suis
existebant Johanni de Marr capellano et suis assignatis dedit per cartam
suam / quecunque terre de Cruthieristoun cum pertinencijs vnacum terris
predictis de Garviach per reuocacionem in parleamento nostro tento apud
Sconam vicesimo septimo die mensis Septembris Anno Domini millesimo
Trecentesirao Sexagesimo septimo factam ad nostras manus legaliter de-
uenerunt • Tenendas et habendas omnes et singulas terras de Cruthier-
istoun predictas cum pertinencijs dicto Johanni Lyvn et heredibus suis de
nobis et heredibus nostris in feodo et hereditate per omnes rectas metas
et diuisas suas cum omnibus et singuUs libertatibus commoditatibus aysia-
mentis et iustis pertinencijs quibuscunque ad dictas terras spectantibus seu
quoquomodo iuste spectai-e valentibus in futurum / adeo libere et quiete
plenarie / integre et honoritice in omnibus et per omnia / sicut dictus
quondam Dauid aut aliquis alius de regno nostro dictas terras cum perti-
nencijs liberius / quiecius / plenarius / integrius et honoriticiencius aliquo
tempore tenuit seu possedit • • Reddendo inde nobis et heredibus nostris
dictus Johannes et heredes sui vnum denarium argenti ad festum Penthe-
costes annuatim nomine albe firme si petatur apud Cruthieristoun tantum
pro wardis / releuijs / maritagijs curiarum sectis et alijs oneribus quibus-
cunque que de dictis terris cum pertinencijs aliquo tempore futuro exigi
poterunt vel requu'i • • In cuius rei testimonium presenti carte nostre
sigillum nostrum precepimus apponi • Testibus venerabilibus in Xpo pa-

' [From the original in the charter chest at Whitehaugh.]

550

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

tribus Willelmo episcopo Sancti Andree et Patricio episcopo Brechinensi
cancellario nostro Roberto senescallo Scocie comite de Stratherne nepote
nostro Patricio comite Marchie et Morauie • Willelmo comite de Douglas
Roberto de Erskyn / Archebaldo de Douglas et Hugone de Eglyntoun
militibus Apud Stryyelyne nono die mensis Julij anno regni nostri
Tricesimo Nono • ]

PREMNEY.

I^REMNEY hath for its tutelar Saint Caran,

\^ Bishop. ' His feast is kept on the twenty-first of

Decemher ; on which day this collect is appointed

ttK^h in the Aberdeen Breviary : " Deus omnium creator

^'^ et rector cuius bonitate ex nihilo facta sunt om-

Pnia : exaudi faraulos tuos ad te iugiter clamantes
vt intercedente beato Carano confessore tuo atque
pontifice : a penis nobis pro peccatis debitis misericorditer eripi
valeamus . Per Dominum . " ^
ciiappei. Saint James's, at Auchlevin.

Mannors. OvERHALL, the Seat of Leith of Overhall.

Barnes, (or Netherhall,) lately possessed by Gordon of
Barnes, but formerly by the Forbeses of Barnes ; and, befor them,
by the Leiths of Barnes ; now, by P[atrick] Duff.

Licklyhead, formerly the seat of the Leiths, Forbeses of
L[eslie], now purchased by P[atrick] Duff of Premney, (son to
Craigston,) from Hay of Arnbath, (in Fordyce.)

[a description of PREMNAT. by MR. GORDON, MINISTER OF ALFORD, M.DCC.XXIV.
AND MR. WILLIAM ROBERTSON. *

J. he parish of Premney hath, to the south, the hills of Edingairick, Brinie, and part
of the hill of Benochie ; to the west, the parish of Leslie ; to the north, the
parish of Insh ; to the east, the parish of Oyn.

1 [Breuiariuni Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, f. xxiii :
rani episcopi et confessoris qui apud Fetteresso et Preniecht colitur."]

2 [Ibid.]

3 [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

Sancti Ca.

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— PREMNAY. 551

The church stands on the north side of the water of Gaudie, and at the east end
of a kirktoun consisting of several countrey houses.

The house of Licklyhead, built by the Forbes's, latelie of Leslie, now belong-
ing to Patrick Duff of Iden, is south-west from the church one mile.

The house of Overhall, the residence of Leith of Overhall, is north-east from
Licklyhead one mile.

The countrey toun of Rothney, of ten chalders of yearly rent, whence Gordon
of Rothney has his title, and where his predecessors resided, lyes from south to
north, on the west side of a moss of that name, and is divided from the village of
Insch by the burn of Insch to the north : it's north from the church of Premney
a short mile.

The house of Barns, alias Neitherhall, is north from the church an eighth part
of a mile.

The king's highwaj' passes from Aberdeen to the high countrey, by Miln of
Barns and Overhall, where is a toUerable good inn for passengers to lodge.

Carta conjuncte infeodacionis Georgij Lesly de eodem et Violete Middil-

toun • ' (a.d. 1497.)
Jacobus [etc.'] Sciatis nos tanquam tutorem et gubernatorem carissimi fra-
tris nostri Johannis Comitis de Mar et Garriache / dedisse [etc.'] dilectis
nostris Georgio Lesly de eodem et Violete Myddiltoun ejus sponse et ipso-
rum alteri diucius viuenti in conjuncta infeodacione ■ dimidietatem terrarum
de Edingarrach ■ et dimidietatem terrarum de le Chapeltoun ■ cum suis
pertinenciis • jacentes in regalitate de Garriache infra vicecoraitatum nos-
trum de Aberdene ■ Quequidem terre cum pertinenciis fuerunt dicti Georgii

1 [From the Earl of Haddington's Collection of Charters, vol. i., p. 273. MS.

A. D. 1488 : " James Weems of That Ilk knight grants a charter to David Weems his
son of the lands of Auchlewin Ardouin and Harlaw in Aberdeenshire : reddendo to the
Earl of Man- of a gilt spurr at Auchlewin yeirly : at St. Andrews, the fourth of December
1488." (Scotstarvet's Collection of Charters, p. 14, MS., in the library at Skene House.)
See also Nisbet's Heraldry, vol. ii., part iv., append., p. 34.

A. D. 1566 : By contract of marriage, dated on the third of May, 1566, Alexander
Ogilvy of BojTie becomes bound to seise, in liferent, Mary Betoun, eldest daughter of
Robert Bethune of Creich, in " the tempill landis of Strathardill in Banfe and in the tem-
pill landis of Leslie lyand within the schirefdome of Aberdene haldin of the lordis of Sanct
Johns payand yerlie x merkis / and siklik in the landis of Auchlevin gevand yerlie xx
merkis haldin of the lardis of Fynlattar lyand within the schirefdome of Aberdene ;" and,
after the celebration of the marriage between them, to " infeft hir with himself in conjunct
fe." (The Miscellany of The Maitland Club, vol. i., pp. 39, 40.)]

552 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

hereditarie Et quas idem Georgius non vi aut metu ductus [e<e.] in
inanus nostras apud Linlytgow tanquam in manibus tutoris prefati carissimi
fratris nostri Johannis Comitis de Mar domini superioris earundem • per
fustem et baculum \_etc.'\ simpliciter resignauit [<?<c.] Tenendas [e^c] de
prefato carissimo fratre nostro Johanna Comite de Mar et suis successori-
bus in feodo et hereditate in perpetunm [eic] Faciendo inde annuatim
prefato Comiti de Mar et suis successoribus jura et seruicia de dictis terris
cum pertinenciis ante dictam resignacionem debita et consueta • In cujus
rei testimonium presenti carte nostre resignacionis magnum sigillum nos-
trum apponi precepimus • Testibus reuerendo in Christo patre Willelmo
Episcopo Aberdonensi nostri secreti sigilli custode / dilectis consanguineis
Archibaldo Comite de Ergyle Domino Campbell et Lome magistro hospi-
cij nostri \_etc.'] Apud Linlytgow vicesimo quarto die mensis Nouembris
anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo nonagesimo septimo / et regni
nostri decimo ■ ]

INCH.

NCH has two silver chalices gifted by John Rose,
(descended of Kilravock,) of Wardes, (which he
then called Rosehall.)'

Ther is a tradition, (which Boetius* has taken
notice of,) that Dundore hill has gold-oar under it,
because the sheeps teeth that feed upon it turn
yellow. He adds that their flesh and wool are

' [" When the vacant ground on the north side of the church was levelled, some years
ago, a tombstone was laid bare, very near the wall, with the words randolphvs sacerdos
inscribed on it lengthwise, and after these some date which is illegible." (The New Sta-
tistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix., p. 751. Edinb. 1842.)]

" There are a good many remains in the parish of Druidical temples, all in elevated si-
tuations. There are also several rude obelisks, or stone pillars, in the parish ; one called
The Picardy Stane, standing about seven feet and a half in height above ground, with
some carving, apparently emblematical, on the south face of it ; and another, towards the
centre of the parish, called The Earl of Mar's Stane. Near the village of Insch is a mound
or rising ground, called the The Gallow Hill, the road leading past which has always been
known by the name of The Gallow Road. A fragment of a brass sword, or Roman gladius,
was found some years ago on the farm of Dunnideer." C/izrf.J]

* Boetius in Descriptione Scotiae, [f. 7 : "In Gareota est mons i|uidam Doundor, aureus

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— INCH. 553

also yellow ; and that the name of the hill Doun d'Or signifies The
Golden Mount. However, it is still pronounced Dmmideer.

Saint John's at Dundore Castle. chappui.

DuNDORE Castle, (on the top of a hill of that name,) built by Mannors.
King Gregory, who dyed here A.D. dccc.xciii. * Some of the
walls are yet standing, the cement being very strong, and laid on
with much art. ' Ther is a tradition that this castle was supplied

■lb incolis ajipellatus, ob id o|)inor quod ones in eo flauae sint, habentes denies quidem coloris
plane aurei ; carnes vero velut croco tinctas pauloque plus quam ea est quara ferunt lanam."
So also the Bishop of Ross : " In Gareotha mons est quern aureum appellant, vulgo auteni
Dundore, quod auro abundare dicatur : id colligunt ex ovibus quae in illo monte pastae dentes
ac carnes fiavo colore tanquam auro tinctas habent." (Leslaeus de Rebus Gestis Scotorum,
pp. 30, 31. Romae, 1578.) See above, pp. 23, 90. Cordiner informs us that in his time
" the common people have still a tradition current among them, that persons skilled in
magic, by performing certain ceremonies at sunrise, will see the shrubs assume the appear-
ance of gold on those parts of the hill that most abound with it." (Cordiner's Antiquities
and Scenery of the North of Scotland, p. 32. Lend. 1780. 4to.) The eastern traveller,
Buckingham, tells us that " on the summit of Jebel-el-Belkah, or Bilgah, as it is equally
often pronounced, from which Moses saw the promised land, there grew, according to the
testimony of all present, a species of grass which changed the teeth of every animal that ate
of it to silver. And in a party of twenty persons then assembled, there were not less than
five witnesses who declared most solemnly that they had seen this transmutation take place
with their own eyes." (Buckingham's Travels among the Arab Tribes, p. 38. Lond. 1825.
4to.) The same superstitious belief prevails in other parts of Scotland, as at Kirkmaiden
in Galloway, and at Largo in Fife. (See Andrew Symson's Description of Galloway,
p. 65. Edinb. 1823. Svo. ; Chambers' Rhymes of Scotland, p. 61. Edinb. 1826. 12mo.)]

* Boetius in Gregorio [Scot. Hist., lib. x., f. 213: "ad vltimum extrema senectute in
Gareothae regionis arce tum munitissima, Doundor vulgus appellat, id est, aureum montem,
sortitus sit finem."]

1 [" The most interesting objects which the parish holds out to antiquaries, are the ruin-
ed fort and tower on the top of the hill of Dunnideer ; the former being a fine specimen of
what are called vitrified forts ; the latter, the remnant of a square tower or castle built
within the fort, and partly of fragments of it, covering from thirteen to fourteen square
yards of ground, including the walls, seven feet in thickness : only one wall, however, is
standing entire, being from fifty to sixty feet in height." (The New Statistical Account of
Scotland, number xxxix., p. 751.) There is an engraving of the ruins of the castle of
Dunnideer in De Cardonnel's Picturesque Antiquities of Scotland, Lond. 1793. 8vo. " In
a periodical paper called The Bee, lately published at Edinburgh, there was lately given a
very particular and pretty accurate description of the hill and castle of Dunodeer, with a
copperplate engraving." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xvii., p. -I87. Edinb.

.354 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

with water from Foudland hill, (three miles distant,) by leaden
pipes, which being at last cut, the castle was oblidged to surrender
for want of water. But when this happned, is not known.

Mill of Dundore, (at the foot of the hill,) the seat of Tyrie
of Dunnideer.

Wardes, ' of old the seat of the Lesleys ^ of Wardes, there-
after of the Farquharsons, now of Gordon of Wardes.

RoTHNAY, the seat of Gordon of Rothnay.

1796.) In Jhon Hardyng's map of Scotland, constructed about the year 1465, appear
" the castells of Strabolgy, of Rithymay, of Dony Dowre ;" and the writer seems to in-
dicate the place as one of those where King Arthur held his Round Table, so famous in old
romance :

" Ho held his household and the Rounde Table
Sometyme at Edinburgh, sometyme at Striveline,
Of kynges renowned and most honourable ;
At Carlysle sumwhile, at Alcluid his citie fyne,
Emong all his knightes and ladies full femenine ;
And in Scotlande, at Perthe and Dunbrytain,
In Cornwaile also, Dover, and Cairelegion ;
At Dunbar, Dunfrise, and St. John's Toune,
All of worthy knights moo then a legion.
At Donydoure also in Murith region.
And in many other places both citie and toune."
(The Chronicle of Jhon Hardyng, cap. Ixiii., pp. 126, 127, 418., edit. Lond. 1812. 4to.)]

1 [" In the hollow, or narrow valley, to the west of Dunnideer, is the site of the ancient
castle of Meikle Wardhouse, the only remaining vestige of which now is the fosse, by which
it had been smTounded ; although it is not very many years since the ruins of the walls
were removed." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix., p. 753.) In
April, 1647, "the Young Harthill" garrisoned the house of Wardes for the King; but on
being besieged, he was forced to surrender it to the parliamentary generals, Middleton and
David Lesley : " the Scots in the house were set at liberty ; there were sixteen Irish taken
in it, all of them, with the captain who commanded them, were hanged." " The Young
Harthill " himself was beheaded at the cross of Edinburgh on the twentieth of October,
1647. (Gordon's History of the Gordons, vol. ii., pp. 530, 531.)]

2 [See the Acta Dominorum Auditorum, pp. "124, 'UO, *146, 154, 153, 195, 205 ;
Acta Dominorum Concilii, pp. 66, •116, •117, 187,222, 228, 230, 231, 230, 292, 303.
Dr. Arthur Johnstone has left three poems on Dame Elizabeth Gordon, wife of Sir John
LesHe of Wardes, " De Elizabetha Gordonia Wardesiae domina. " (Art. lonstoni Poemata
Omnia, pp. 424, 425.)]

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— INCH. 555

[a description of the parish of INSCH. by MR. GORDON, MINISTER OF
ALFORD, M.DCC.XXIV., AND MR. WILLIAM ROBERTSON. '

The church is situated in the south-east part of the village of Insch, which is a
burgh of barony, possessed by several feuers, holding of the laird of Balquhoyn.
It has a weekly and several yearly fairs ; and stands on the north side of a burn
called by its name.

The old ruinous castle of Dunnydeer, (which its said was built and inhabited
by Gregor}' the Great, one of our Kings in the time of the Picts,) stands on the
top of a green hill, considerably high, now belonging to Tyrie of Dunny-
deer ; and is west to south from the village and church of Insch one mile.

The house of Wardhouse, (now the residence of Gordon, lately of

Leslie of Wardhouse,) is south-west from the castle of Dunnydeer half a mile.

Carta Alexandri de Setoun de Gordoun • - (a.d. 1424.)

Omnibus [eic.l Alexander Stewart comes de Marre et de Garviach sa-
lutem [e<c.] Noueritis nos dedisse [e^c] dilecto consanguineo nostro
Alexandre de Setoun de Gordoun pro sue seruicio nobis impenso et
impendendo totas et integras terras nostras de Mekylwardris cum per-
tinenciis iacentes in comitatu de la Garviach infra vicecomitatum de
Abirdene • Tenendas [e^c] de nobis et nostris successoribus [e^c] Fa-
ciendo inde annuatim [efc] domino nostro Regi seruicium forinsecum
inde debitum et consuetum • et nobis et nostris successoribus tres sectas
curie ad tria placita capitalia regalitatis nostre de Inuyrowry • [<?^c.] In
cuius rei testimonium liuic presenti carte nostre sigillum nostrum fecimus
apponi apud castrum nostrum de Kindrumy decimo tercio die mensis
Januarij anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo vicesimo tercio • Testibus
Thoma Stewart filio nostro Andrea Stewart fratre nostro Alexandre de
Forbes Alexandre de Irwine Johanne Bothvile militibus Thoma de
Rowle Thoma de Camera et Georgeo de Incbemartin cum multis aliis ■

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [From the original in the charter chest at Fetterneir. The grant was confirmed by
King James I., by a charter, under the great seal, dated " Apud Perth octauo die mensis
Januarij Anno Dominj millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo primo et regni nostri vicesimo
sexto Testibus Waltero Steuuart comite de Atholia auunculo nostro Archebaldo comite de
Douglas ■ nepote nostro • Jacobo de Douglas de Baluany • Waltero de Oggilby ma-
gistro domus nostre Johanne Forstar camerario nostro et magistro Willelmo de Fowler
custode sigilli nostri priuati cum multis aliis • " (Original at Fetterneir.)]

55G

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Carta Domini Willelmi de Forbes militis domini de Kynnaldy •' (a.d.
1432.)

Omnibus \_etc.'\ Alexander de Setoune dominus de Gordone salutem [e?c.]
Noueritis me dedisse \_etc.'] honorabili viro Domino Willelmo de Forbes
militi domino de Kynnaldy pro suo seruicio michi et Alexandre filio meo
et heredi domino de Tulybody impenso et impendendo totas et integras
terras meas de Mekylwardris cum pertinenciis jacentes in comitatu de
Garvyawch infra vicecomitatum de Abirdene / Tenendas [e<c.] de comite
de Garvyauch et suis successoribus in feodo [efc] Faciendo inde annua-
tim [etcJ] domino nostro Regi seruieium forinsecum inde debitum et con-
suetum et domino comiti de Garvyauch et successoribus suis tres sectas
curie ad tria placita capitalia tenenda apud Enroury [efc.] In cuius rei
testimonium liuic presenti carte mee sigillum meum apposui apud Castale-
toune de Strabolgy penultimo die mensis Junij anno Domini millesimo
quadringentesimo tricesimo secundo • / Testibus Alexandre Stewart comite
de Marr et de Garvyauch / Alexandre de Forbes de eodem milite /
Domino Alexandre de Erwine domino de Drum / Willelmo de Lesly de
Syde / Johanne de Abirnethy / Thoma de Camera / Gilberto Mengnes
cum multis aliis • ]

CULSAMOND.^

EWTON OF CuLSAMOND, the seat of the pre-
sent Davidson of Newton, (who bought it,) for-
merly of the Gordons of Newton.

Sheelagreen, the seat of Gordon of Sheela-
green, son to Gordon of Rothnay, son to Gordon
of Sheelagreen, who was of the Gordons of New-
ton.

' [From the original in the charter chest at Fetterneir.]

2 [" An ancient highway, which crosses the hill of Culsamond near its top, still retains
the name of The Lawrence Road.

" There appear to have been at least three sacred fountains in this parish : St. Mary's
Well, on the farm of Colpie ; St. Michael's, at Gateside ; and another at the foot of The
Culsamond Bank, a little west of The Lady's Causeway. On the first Sunday of May,
multitudes resorted to them from distant parts, in the full faith that by washing in the

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— CULSALMOND. 557

[a description of the parish of CULSALMON. by MR. GORDON, MINISTER OF
ALFORD, M.DCC.XXI.-., AND MR. WILLIAM ROBERTSON.'

The parish of Culsalmon hath, on the north, the hills of Culsalmon and Tilley-
morgan, where is a great quantity of gray sclate ; and, benorth these, the parishes
of Forgue and Auchterless ; to the east, the parish of Rain ; to the south-west,
the parish of Insch.

The King's highway, from Aberdeen to Inverness, goes through this parish, to
the south of the church.

The church stands by a little kirktoun on the south side of the hill of Culsa-
mon ; north from Insch, two miles ; south-east from Huntly, six miles.

The house of Sheelagreen, belonging to ... . Gordon of Sheelagreen, is south
from the church, scarce a quarter of a mile. It stands on the south-west side of
a rivolet, there called the burn of Garnesmilne, but, afterward, has the name of
the water of Urie, and takes its rise from the north side of the hill of Foudlane ;
where is a great quarry of bleu sclate, which supplies the countrey with slate.

The house of Newtoun, formerly the mansion of a considerable family of the
name of Gordon, now of Davidson of Newtoun, is east from Sheelagreen a long
mile. It stands on the north side of the said burn, and hard by it.

There is an inn about a quarter of a mile to the west of the church, on the west
of the burn of Garden's miln : the inn is called by the same name with the burn.

To the north-west of the church about half a mile, on the brow of the hill,
stands a great yearly fair called St. Serfs Fair, and, by corrupting the name, St.
Sare's Fair, holden on the last Tuesday of June.^

There is also another highway which passes through this kirktoun, from the
high countrey to Buchan.]

stream, and leaving presents to the saints, they would be cured of all loathsome or other-
wise incurable diseases.

" The standing stone in th^ woods of Newton, near Pitmachie, has an inscription upon it.
Some drawings of it have been published. There is another standing stone, near the house
of Newton, with figures upon it.

" Two Druidical temples were on the farm of Colpie, though now almost obliterated.
Several urns were dug up in making a road near one of them. A Druidical place of wor-
ship anciently stood on the spot which is now the churchyard, and about the middle of it.
It consisted of a circle of twelve large upright granite stones." (The New Statistical Ac-
count of Scotland, number xxxix., pp. 731, 732.)]

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [" Julii 1. S. Serfte bischop of Orknay and confessor vnder King Eugenius 2. a.d.
443."' (Adam King's Kalendar, 1588.)]

4 B

Na^ciSrcSii-i

558 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

BALTHELNEY.

ALTHELNEY is corrupted, perhaps, from Bal-
Nethalen, that is, The dwelling of Saint Nethalen,OT
Saint Nachlan, who was its tutelar. '
cha el Virgin M ahy's, beneath Meldrum.^

Meldrum, a castle and court, pos-
sessed formerly by the Meldrums of
That Ilk, till William Seton, (brother to Alexander
first Earl of Huntley, and son to The Heiress of Gordon,) married
Elizabeth, daughter and heiress to William Meldrum of That Ilk,
under King James I. The Setons of Meldrum^ had a great estate,
possessing a great part both of this and Fyvie parish ; but in A.D.
M.DC.LXX., John Urquhai't of Craigfintry, and formerly Tutor of
Cromarty, (being son to Sir Alexander Urquhart of Cromarty,)
married Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of Alexander Seton of
Meldrum ; and so the Urquharts possess Meldrum at this day,
though the estate be very much diminished. Their arms are, quar-
terly, first and fourth, or, three crescents within a double tressure
counterflowred gules, for Seton ; second and third, argent, a demi-

' [Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, f. xxvi. See above, p. 13-J.]

2 [" The foundations of a small chapel are to be seen on a farm which still retains the
name of Chapelhouse. They are surrounded by a place of interment, in which there is the
appearance of many graves ; and two bodies have been buried there within the memory of
the present generation. The baptismal font remains, and a.well inclosed with rude mason
work, which was formerly dedicated to the Virgin : it is called to this day The Lady Well.'''
(The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 477. Edinb. 1840.)]

3 [" GcLiELMns Setonus, nobilissima familia Meldromiae ortus, bonas artes domi et
sub Lipsio sedulus didicit, in Galliis cum laude docuit ; jurisprudentiam vero tam severe
coluit, ut nee in senatu patrio multos pares, nee Andegavi, ubi Regius professor earn exercuit,
habuisse censeatur. Est vir omniscius, variae et paene infinitae lectionis, sed ingenii
vehementer a lucubiationum suarum publicatione abhorrentis. Habet vero propediem
multa edenda ; in his sunt ' Novellae cum MSS. Graecis collatae, et notis eruditissimis
ornatae, lib. i.' Vivit Romae omnibus literatis carissimus, sed praecipue illustrissimo prin-
cipi D. Scipioni S. R. E. Cardinal! Cobellutio, cui est domesticus, et gentis columna."
(T. Dempsteri Hist. Ecclesiast. Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., p. 591.)]

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— BUTHELNY. 559

ottar, sable, crowned gules, issuing out of a bar waved, sable, for
Meldrum : the crest a boar's head erazed, or, for Urquhart : motto
of Meldrum, Per mare, per terras.*

[a DESCRirXION OF THE PARISH OF MELDRUM OR BETHELNIE. BY MB. GORDON,
MINISTER OF ALFORD, M.DCC.XXIV., AND MB. WILLIAM ROBERTSON. '

The parish of Meldrum, alias Bethelnie,^ hath to the east, the parish of Tarves ;
to the south, the parish of Bourty ; to the west, the parish of Daviot ; and to the
north, the parish of Fivie.

The church stands about a hundred paces to the east of the village of Old
Meldrum.

The village of Old Meldrum is a burgh of barony ;^ has two cross streets, one
lying from west to east, another from south to north ; has a considerable number
of good stone sclated houses ; has a convenient mercat place, with a tolbooth. In
this toun is keept an excellent weekly mercate, with severall yearly fairs. It de-
pends on the laird of Meldrum, its superior.

The house of Meldrum, the seat of Urquhart of Meldrum, is north from this
village, and the church, a short mile.

Through this parish, and particularly the village of Old Meldrum, goes the
Kings highway from Aberdeen to Banff.

North-east from the house of Meldrum, a mile, is a holy well, called Our Lady's
Well, much frequented, in the month of May, by the countrey people, especially
for the headach.

The old church of Bethelnie lyes a mile to the north-west of the house of Mel-
drum ; about which is a churchyard, in which most of the inhabitants of that parish

* See the deduction of this family in Nisbet's Heraldry, [vol. ii. appendix,] pp. 12-3 —
125. [See also Douglas' Baronage of Scotland, pp. 136 — 165.]

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [" The ancient name of this parish was Bethelny ; the church and manse being at that
time situated in a part of the parish which retains that name, and where there is still a
churchyard, and burial place for the family of Meldrum. The present church was built
near to the village of Old Meldrum, about the year 1684 ; and the parish has since been
called by that name." (The Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xiii., p. 153. Edinb.
1794.) " There is still a place of interment at Bethelnie, where the church of this parish
formerly stood: several families have their burying ground in it." (The New Statistical
Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 478.)]

^ [" Old Meldrum was erected by charter into a burgh of barony in the year 1672."
(The Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xiii., p. 1S4.)]

560 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

still continue to burie their dead. Saint Nachlan is said to lye interred there,
whose day is observed on the seventh of January yearly ; and all the people of that
parish observe it as a great holyday, with much rejoicing, abstaining from all
manner of work, and giving themselves up entirely to mirth and jollity ; because,
the last time the plague was in Scotland, though it raged in all the parishes about,
yet it did [not] enter into that parish at all ; which the common people impute
to Saint Nachlan's being buried in their parishe ; ' and therefore, in gratitude,
reckon themselves obliged to honour his day, and are much offended at all of the
neighouring parishes, who receive either grass, water, or fire out of their parish,
and do not joyn with them in the observance of that day.

Carta Willelmi Cumyn Coraitis de Buchan de ecclesia de Buthelny • ^
(I2I1— 1214.)

Uniuersis sancte matris ecclesie filiis presentem cartam uisuris uel auditu-
ris • Willelmus Cumyn • Comes • et Margari • sponsa sua • Comitissa de
Buchan ■ Salutem in Domino • Sciant presentes et futuri nos dedisse • et
concessisse • et hac carta nostra confirmasse • Deo • et ecclesie Sancti
Thome Martiris de Abirbrothoc • et monachis ibidem Deo seruientibus et
seruituris ■ ad indumenta eorundem monachorum • pro salute anime do-
mini nostri Regis Willelmi • et pro salute animarum nostrarum ■ et om-
nium antecessorum et successorum nostrorum • ecclesiam de Buthelny ■
cum omnibus iustis pertinenciis suis • et cum uno plenario tofto in villa de
Buthelny • cum communi pastura • et cum omnibus aliis aisiamentis • Ten-
endam [etc.'j in liberam et puram et perpetuara elemosinara • ita libera
et quiete • plenarie et honorifice ■ sicut aliqua alia elemosina uel ecclesia in
regno Scocie liberius et quiecius tenetur et possidetur ■ Et nos et heredes
nostri predictam ecclesiam de Buthelny contra omnes homines predictis
monachis in perpetuum warantizabiraus • Hiis testibus • Domino Willelmo
de Boscho domini Regis cancellario • Domino Alexandre abbate de
Cupro • Domino • R ■ abbate de Kynlos • Domino Andrea de Morauia •

' [" There was a tradition, that when a dreadful pestilence raged in the country, Saint
Nathalin prayed fervently that it might be averted from this parish, going round it on his
knees ; and the fatal disease never entered within it. Several persons yet alive recollect
that, in their early years. Saint Nathalin's day was still so far attended to that no work was
performed on it throughout the parish. Until a very late period, a market day was held in
Old Meldrum annually in the month of January, which was called Saint Nathalin's Fair.'"
(The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 477.)]

2 [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS]

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— BUTHELNY. 561

Domino Alexandro decano de Abirden • Domino Dyonisio decano de
Forfar • Malcolmo persona de Uchtirlys • Jolianne de Kaledour • AUano
capellano meo • Galfrido de Crauford • Roberto de Monte Alto • Wil-
lelmo de Slanes • Radulfo de Pantok • Roberto de Wilton • et multis
aliis •

Confirmacio Regis Alexandri de ecclesia de Buthelny • ' (a.d. 1222.)

Alexander Dei gracia Rex Scottorura ■ Omnibus probis hominibus tocius
terra sue ■ clericis et laicis • Salutem • Sciant presentes et futuri me con-
cessisse • et bac carta mea confirmasse • donacionem illam quam Willelmus
Cumyn • Comes de Buchan • fecit • Deo • et ecclesie Sancti Thome
Martiris de Abirbrothoc • et monachis ibidem Deo seruientibus • ad indu-
menta eorundem monachorum • de ecclesia de Buthelny • cum comrauni
pastura ■ et cum omnibus aliis asiamentis [e^c] • Testibus • Roberto
capellano meo • Johanne Byset • Willelmo de Bruys ■ Thoma de
Striuelin clerico • Willelmo de Vescy • Valtero Byset • Petro Byset •
Apud Fyuyn • xxij" • die Februarij • Anno gracie • m° • cc° • vicesimo
primo ■

Ordinacio super vicaria de Buthelny • ' (a.d. 1263.)

Omnibus Cbristi fidelibus presens scriptum uisuris uel audituris • Ricardus
miseracione diuina ecclesie Aberdonensis minister humilis • Salutera in
Domino sempiternam • Uniuersitati uestre innotescat • quod cum super
aduocacione ecclesie de Buthelny et pertinenciis • inter Dominum Philip-
pum de Melgdrum militem • et Dorainam Agnetem Cumyn sponsam
suam • ex parte una • et uiros religiosos Abbatem et conuentum de
Abirbrothok • asserentes se dictam ecclesiam in usus proprios canonice
optinere • ex parte altera • coram decano Dunkeldensi • et precentore
Morauiensi • et eorum commissariis orta esset materia questionis • Post
multas altercaciones dicti Philippus et Agnes • pro se et heredibus suis ■
et uiri religiosi predicti • pro se et suis successoribus • simpliciter et pure •
super aduocacione dicte ecclesie iuribus eciam et pertinenciis omnibus ■ or-
dinacioni nostre • preter figuram judicii • facta renunciacione dicti processus
hinc inde • ac utriusque partis consensu sacramento corporali roborato super
hoc • se totaliter commiserunt • Nos igitur quieti religionis prouidere uo-

• [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

562 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

lentes • et saluti aniraarum utriusque partis proficere cupientes • statuimus ■
et ordinamus • quod rectoriam dicte ecclesie • dicti Abbas et conuentus
libere • sicut hactenus tenuerunt • in proprios usus de cetero teneant et pos-
sideant • exceptis quibusdam decimis quas ordinacioni nostre • ut inferius li-
quebit manifestius • reseruamus ■ Statuimus eciam • et ordinamus • quod
predictus Dominus Philippus et heredes sui • seu dicta Domina Agnes si
superuixerit et heredes sui ■ ad alteragium prefate ecclesie de Buthelny •
nomine vicarie • cum omnibus decimis locorum qui dicuntur • Buthelny ■
Senglassangortyn • Glessangortyn ■ Ordnadulach ■ et Cardrum • cedente
uicario nunc superstite uel decedente • virum ydoneum nobis et successoribus
nostris presentent • et ius perpetuum habeant presentandi • Qui quidem
presentatus et admissus curam geret animarum • et omnia onera ordinariapro
dictis Abbate et conuentu • et extraordinaria pro rata porcionis • perpetuo
sustentet • Quas decimas locorum predictorum • auctoritate apostoUca prius
dicto alteragio assignatis • eidem alteragio ordinando assignamus cum iuri-
bus et libertatibus eorundem • Ordinamus eciam quod dicti Abbas et con-
uentus • quam cito facultas se ofFerat • presentent uicarium de Buthelny nunc
superstitem ad uicariam ad eorum presentacionem alibi spectantem • loci
diocesano • per cuius admissionem si ipsam uicariam duxerit acceptantem •
dictus miles et heredes sui • seu dicta Agnes si superuixerit et heredes
sui • ad dictum alteragium ecclesie de Buthelny • sicut dictum est • uirum
ydoneum presentando ex ordinacione nostra plenum ius ad id consequentur
perpetuo presentandi prout superius est expressum • Presentatus autem
et admissus dicte ecclesie de Buthelny honeste faciet deseruiri • et ornamenta
ipsius ecclesie • ipsa prius a dictis Abbate et conuentu semel competenter
ornata • pro perpetuo sustentabit ■ In quorum omnium testimonium • hec
nostra ordinacio • penes utramque • sigillis suis alternatim una cum munimine
sigilli nostri • in scriptis residet consignata • Datum apud Inuerhury
■ x" • Kalendas Februarij • anno Domini • m° • cc° • sexagesimo secundo ■
in presencia parcium • Testibus • Domino Willelmo de Lamberton rec-
tore ecclesie de Turuereth • Magistro Rogero de Scharcheburg officiali
nostro • Domino Waltero capellano nostro • Domino Rogero de Staun-
tbrth uicario de Banchryterny • Magistro Thoma de Bennin rectore
scholarum de Abirden • Domino Ricardo uicario de Inuirury • et aliis • ]

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— BOURTIE. 563

BOURTIE.i

,^"2- ^j^ "^(ST^ OLLYHILL here, formerly a part of the barony
~ "^ of Balquhain, belonged to The Chappel of The
Garioch ; and that publick-spirited gentleman, Alex-
ander Galloway, (afterward rector of Kinkell,) being
chaplain of it, did, by a charter, (dated at Aber-
deen, November the twenty-first, A.D. m.d.v., and
confirmed by King James IV., at Edinburgh,
January the twenty-fourth, A.D. m.d.v., wherein he styles the said
Alexander dilectum capellanum nostrum,) grant two acres of land
here, which he had purchased fi-om Balquhain, for building a
manse for the chaplains of CoUyhill, who, in return, were to pray
for the souls of William Elphinston, Bishop of Aberdeen, (who had
promoted him,) Sir Walter Ogilvy of Boyne, Andrew Elphinston
of Selmys, Mr. Duncan Sherar, formerly chaplain here, but then
parson of Clatt, William Lesley of Balquhain, and Elisabeth
Ogilvy his wife, and of him the said Alexander, etc.

I find also, by a charter of Bishop Gordon, A.D. m.d.xxxvii.,
(confirming a grant of the said Alexander to the chaplains at the
cathedral,) that the said Alexander had done special service to the
church of Aberdeen, both in Scotland and Flanders : " pro suo
servitio nobis et dicte ecclesie nostre multipliciter in partibus
Scotie et Flandrie impenso." *

' [" Two rather rude images of a knight in armour and his dame, which occupied a
niche in the old church of Bourtie, lie now in the churchyard." (The New Statistical
Account of Scotland, number xxxix., p. 624. Edinb. 1842.) " The traditional report
is, that the statue of the man is that of the celebrated Thomas de Longueville, the com-
panion of Wallace, who was killed and buried here." (Statistical Account of Scotland,
vol. ix., p. 437. Edinb. 1793.) See above, p. 329.

" There are three Druidical temples in this parish, two of them pretty entire." (Statis-
tical Account of Scotland, vol. ix., p. 437.) " Two of these remain, one in a state of con-
siderable preservation, on the lands of Thornton. Two barrows, or rather cairns, have
been opened within the last ten years. In each there was found a stone coffin, enclosing
two urns of hard-baked carved pottery." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, num-
ber xxxix., p. 622.)]

* Registrum Chartarum.

564 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Chappei. Saint John's, at Barra.

Mannor. Barra, a court, (formerly possessed by the Setons, descended

of Meldrum's family,) and of late purchased by the Reids.

[a description of the parish of BOURTIE. by MR. GORDON, MINISTER OF
ALFORD, M.DCC.XXIV., AND MR. WILLIAM ROBERTSON.'

The church stands by a little kirktoun, south-west from Old Meldrum one mile.

The house of Barra, the residence of Sir Alexander Reid of Barra, is north-west
from tlie church half a mile.

Near to Barra, betwixt it and Old Meldrum, it's said, there was an antient battle
fought by King Robert Bruce and the Cummings ; which, because of the Kings
encampment at Inverurie, and his marching that morning therefrom against the
enemy, was called the battle of Inverurie. There are, however, on the top of a
little green hill, called The Hill of Barra, betwixt the kirk of Bourty and Old
Meldrum, about midway, verie remarkable vestiges to this day of an encampment
%vith double entrenchments, which it's said the Cummings possessed, till they were
forced to a battle, wherein they were routed.

The house of Kinguidy, the old residence, though small house, of the Seatouns
of Blair, now in the hands of ... . Stewart, by his marriage with the heiress, is
east from the church a mile and a half.

The house of Thorntoun, belonging to ... . Sympson of Thorntoun, is south-
east from the church a long half mile.

Carta Willelmi de Lambertona de ecclesia de Bowirdin ■ ^ (ante a.d.
1199.)

Omnibus sancte matris ecclesie filiis Willelmus de Lambertona tam pre-
sentibus quam futuris salutem • Sciant omnes [etc.] me dedisse [e<c.] Deo

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus Sancti Andree, pp. 266, 267.

(1171 — 1199.) • M • Dei gracia Episcopus Abirdonensis • concessit Deo et ecclesie
Sancti Andree et canonicis ibidem Deo seruientibus ecolesiam de Bouredin cum terris et
decimis et omnibus aliis ad earn iuste pertinentibus • saluo iure Episcopal! • Testibus Sy-
mone archidiacono ■ Stephano clerico • Persona de Lochres • Roberto et Henrico •
capellanis nostris • M • clerico nostro • Willelmo filio Stephani • Dunecano filio Alun ■
Adam ncpote nostro • Willelmo de Hatun • f/rf. p. 299.)

(1207 — 1228.) • Adam Dei gracia Abyrdonensis Episcopus • concessit Deo et ecclesie
Sancti Andree apostoU et canonicis ibidem Deo seruientibus ecclesiam de Bourdin •
cum terris et decimis et omnibus aliis ad eam iuste pertinentibus quam Willelmus de Lam-
birtune eis dedit • saluis episcopalibus • Hiis testibus • O ■ archidiacono nostro et • A •

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— BOURTIE. 565

et ecclesie Beati Andree apostoli et canonicis ibidem Deo seruientibus et
seruituris • ecclesiam de Boueriden cum terris et decimis et communi
pastura et omnibus ad eam iuste pertinentibus in perpetuam et puram

decano nostro • Magistro Willelmo et Johanne de Caledoiir clericis nostris ■ Johanna et
Ricardo capellanis nostris • Malcolmo Alano Edwardo canonicis de Abyrdene Ricardo
persona de Rathen • (Id., p. 301.)

(1228 — 1239.) Gilbertus permissione diuina ecclesie Abirdenensis minister huniilis • de
communi consensu et assensu capituli nostri concessit Deo et ecclesie Saneti Andree
apostoli et canonicis ibidem Deo seruientibus ecclesiam de Bourdin • quam Willelmus de
Lambertun eis dedit • saluis episcopalibus • Hiis testibus • Domino • M • archidiacono
nostro • Magistro Willelmo • Jordano • Edwardo • Alano canonicis de Abirdene •
Willelmo de Golin • Johanne clerico nostro et nuiltis aliis ■ (Id., p. 302.)

(23 Oct. 1240.) Vniuersis sancte matris ecclesie filiis \_etc.'] Radulfus permissione diuina
ecclesie Abyrdenensis minister humilis • [etc.~\ Nouerit uniuersitas uestra nos [etc.] de
communi consensu et assensu capituli nostri concessisse [etc.] Deo et ecclesie Saneti An-
dree apostoli et canonicis ibidem Deo seruientibus [etc.] ecclesiam de Bouirdin ■ [etc.']
Quare uolumus et episcopali auctoritate statuimus ut predicti canonici prenominatam eccle-
siam cedente uel decedente Hugone eiusdem rectore plenarie habeant • quiete possideant •
et in proprios usus • libere et absque contradiccione conuertant • saluo eo quod nobis et
successoribus nostris ydoneum capellanum ad uicariam predicte ecclesie presentabunt qui
nobis de spiritualibus et eis de temporalibus respondebit - Saluis nobis et successoribus
nostris episcopalibus • Hiis testibus Domino Johanne abbate de Lundors • Domino Dauid
eiusdem loci priore • Domino • M ■ archidiacono nostro • Magistro Ricardo officiali -
Magistro Willelmo de Bosco • Domino Jordano canonico de Abyrdene • Johanne
de Soltre • Alano et Thoma monachis de Abyrbroth et multis aliis • Datum anno
gracie • m° • cc" • xl° • Apud Sanctum Andream die Saneti Romani Episcopi ■ (Id.,
p. 303.)

(28 Apr. 1244.) Vniuersis sancte matris ecclesie filiis [etc.] Radulfus permissione
diuina ecclesie Abyrdenensis minister humilis [etc.] Nouerit uniuersitas uestra nos [etc.]
dedisse [etc.] Deo et ecclesie Saneti Andree in Scocia et canonicis ibidem Deo seruientibus
[etc.] ecclesiam de Bourdyn • cum duabus carucatis terre • et omnibus aliis pertinenciis suis
[etc.] ■ Saluo toto alteragio et saluis duabus bouatis terre • iuxta ecclesiam • de predietis
duabus carucatis cum communi pastura et aliis asiamentis • et saluo manso cum curtilagio
in quo Hugo quondam prefate ecclesie de Bourdin rector habitare consueuit vicariis qui pro
tempore fuerint instituendi nostra taxacione assignatis ■ et saluis duodecim acris terre quas
Willelmus de Lambertune ad luminare prefate ecclesie de Bourdin contulit quas uicarii qui
pro tempore fuerint in sua disposicione habebunt ad predictum luminare inueniendum et
sustinendum • et idem uicarij nobis et successoribus nostris de episcopalibus respondebunt •
[etc.] Hiis testibus • Domino • A ■ abbate de Abbyrbrothe • Domino Johanne abbate
de Lundors • Domino • M ■ archidiacono Abyrdenensi ■ Magistris Hugone et Radulfo •
Magistro Willelmo de Bosco • Magistro Ricardo officiali • Domino Stephano de Derby

4 c

566 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

elemosinam • pro anima mea et aniniabus patris et raatris mee • et ani-
mabus omnium antecessorum et successorum meorum [e^c] Testibus
Alexandro vicecomite de Striuelin • Ricardo filio Hugonis • Waltero
filio Sybaldi • Malcolmo filio Beitulfi • Hugone clerico filio Ricardi •
Johanne fratre vicecomitis de Striuelin • Salomone clerico • Willelmo de
Lambertona • Waltero Francigena • Henrico filio Alardi • Henrico
Brittun •

canonicis Abyrdonensibus • Domino Jordano et domino Eduardo canonicis Abyrdonensibus
Domino Johanne de Soltre Domino Alano Thoma et Willelmo monachis de Abyrbroth • et
multis aliis • Datum apiid cathedralem ecclesiam de Abyrdene in die Sancti Uitalis mar-
tyris anno gracie • m" • cc° • xliiij" • (Id., pp. 303, 304.)

(24 Apr. 1243.) Vniuersis Xpi fidelibus ad quos presens scriptum penienit ■ Magister
Robertus decanus et canonicus ecclesie Abirdenensis eternam in Domino salutem • Religio-
sorum paci pium est prouidere • et eorum possessiones ne malorum improbitate turbentur
omnino patrocinio stabilire • Ea propter ad uniuersitatem uestram uolumus peruenire ■ nos
de communi consensu • et assensu tocius capituli nostri ratam habere concessionem et con-
firmacionem uenerabilis patris nostri Domini Radulfi episcopi Abirdenensis et pie me-
morie predecessorum ipsius scilicet Mathei • Ade • et Gilbert! • factam Deo et ecclesie
Sancti Andree apostoli • et canonicis ibidem Deo seruientibus et seruituris de ecclesiis suis
in nostra diocesi constitutis • uidelicet de ecclesiis de Bourdin • de Tarualund et de Migaueth
cum terris decimis et conuencionibus et capellis et omnibus aliis ad dictas ecclesias iuste
pertinentibus eidem ecclesie in proprios usus concessis et confirmatis sicut in suis autenticis
plenius eontinetur • Vt autem hec nostra ratihabicio • perpetue stabilitatis robur optineat
earn presenti scripto sigilli nostri apposicione roborato confirmamus et subscribimus ■ Datum
anno gracie • m° • cc° • xliij" - in crastino Sancti Georgii martyris • Ego Radulfus et
episcopus et canonicus Abirdenensis subscribo • Ego Magister Robertus decanus et cano-
nicus ecclesie Abirdenensis subscribo • Ego Malcolmus archidiaconus et canonicus eccle-
sie Abirdenensis subscribo • Ego Magister Willelmus tesaurarius subscribo ■ Ego Jordanus
precentor subscribo • Ego Willelmus de Bosco subscribo • Ego Stephanas canonicus sub-
scribo • Ego Edwardus canonicus subscribo • Ego Wilelmus Noblet canonicus sub-
scribe • (Id., pp. 304, 305.;

In the year 1206, the church of Bourdin, with all its pertinents, was confirmed to the
prior and brethren of the church of St. Andrew, by Pope Innocent III. (Id., p. 72.)
The same church was confirmed to the same religious, by Pope Innocent IV., in the year
124.6, (Id., p. 93.); and again, in 1248, (Id., p. 104.) ; and in 1421, by Pope Martin V.
(Id., p. 414.) In the year 1228, the same church was confirmed to the same monks, by
Alexander, King of Scots : " item ex donacione Willelmi de Lambertun et ex confirma-
cione Alexandri filii sui ecclesiam de Bourdin cum terris et decimis et omnibus ad eandem
ecclesiam iuste pertinentibus." (Id., p. 235.)]

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— BOURTIE. 667

Carta Willelmi de Lambertun de duodecim acris de Bowirden • ' (circa
A.D. 1200.)

Sciant tam presentes quam futuri quod ego Willelmus de Lambertun cou-
cessi \_€tc.'\ ecclesie de Bourden pro salute anime mee et antecessorum
meorum xij acras terre iacentes iuxta terrain ecclesie uersus occidentem ex
altera parte uie uersus aquilonem in puram et perpetuam elemosinam [etc.']
Hiis testibus • Mauricio capellano et Willelmo capellano • Rogero filio
Willelmi • et Willelmo filio predicti Willelmi de Lambertun • et Willelmo
Bel et multis aliis •

Carta Radulfi episcopi Aberdonensis de vicaria de Bourdin ■ ^ (1239 —
1247.)

Omnibus hoc scriptum uisuris uel audituris Radulphus permissione diuina
ecclesie Aberdonensis minister humilis eternam in Domino salutem • No-
uerit vniuersitas vestra nos ad preseutacionem prioris et conuentus de
Sancto Andrea caritatis intuitu dedisse concessisse et hac carta nostra
confirmasse • Roberto de la Runce capellano nostro • vicariam ecclesie de
Bourdin • et eum in eadem canonice instituisse cum terra ipsius ecclesie
et decima eiusdem terre • et cum omnibus obuencionibus et pertinenciis
suis • Salua prefatis canonicis terra assingnata ad luminare ecclesie •
Quare volumus ut prefatus Robertus prefatam vicariam ita libere quiete
teneat et possideat • sicut aliquis vicarius aliquam vicariam in diocesi
nostra liberius quiecius tenet et possidet • Saluis episcopalibus • In huius
rei testimonium • presenti scripto sigillum nostrum apposuimus • Testibus
Magistro Hugone de Boscho • Magistro Radulpho de Boscho • Magistro

' [From the Registrum Prioratus Sancti Andree, p. 267. In the same register there is a
confirmation, (granted between 1202 and 1228,) of this and the immediately preceding charter
by Alexander filius Willelmi de Lambertune, under his own seal, and the seal Magistri
Laurencii archidiaconi Sancti Andree • Hiis testibus • Domino W • episcopo Sancti
Andree • Magistro Laurencio archidiacono Sancti Andree ■ Domino Dunecano comite
de Mar • Willelmo Cumin clerico ■ Domino Henrico de Dundemor • Willelmo filio
Lambini • Simone preposito • Laurencio preposito ■ burgensibus Sancti Andree et
multis aliis • ]

2 [From the original in the Denmylne Collection of Charters, in the Advocates' Li-
brary. The deed is engrossed in the Registrum Prioratus Sancti Andree, pp. 305, 306.1

obS VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Ricardo official! Aberdonensi • Domino Stephano seneschallo nostro •
Domino Johanne de Soltre • capellano nostro • Andrea • Henrico ■
Willelmo • et Rogero clericis nostris et aliis •

Conuencio inter priorem Sancti Andrea et vicarium de Bouirdyne ■ ' (a.d.
1268.)

De consensu et uoluntate Domini Ricardi Abirdonensis episcopi facta
est hec conuencio inter priorem et conuentum Sancti Andree ex vna parte
et Tliomam de Ludan perpetuum vicarium de Bouirdin ex altera • anno
"•racie • m° • cc" • Ix" • octauo • xvij° • Kalendis Nouembris • uidelicet •
quod iidem prior et conuentus dimiserunt • ad firmam dicto vicario totam
terram ecclesie sue de Bouirdin ad eos spectantem secundum ordinacionem
bone memorie Radulphi predecessoris eiusdem episcopi factam eisdem ■
prout plenius in instrumento suo continetur • Reddendo annuatim dicto vi-
cario perpetuo dictis priori et conuentui tres marcas argenti • scilicet •
viginti solidos ad Penthecosten • et viginti solidos in festo Sancti Martini
in hieme • Saluis dictis priori et conuentui libertatibus omnibus ad curiam
suam de dicta terra spectantibus • Ita quod dicto Thoma vicario cedente
uel decedente • tota terra dicte ecclesie preter eam que secundum ordi-
nacionem dicti Domini Radulphi episcopi vicariis in ecclesia de Bouirdin
deseruientibus assignata est • libere et absolute ad prefatos priorem et
conuentum redeat et imperpetuum remaneat • Et vicarii eidem Thome in
eadem ecclesia succedentes ordinacione dicti Domini Radulphi episcopi eis
assignata omni ulteriori exaccione cessante sint contenti • In cuius rei
testimonium parti huius cirographi penes dictos priorem et conuentum
residenti • sigillum Domini Ricardi episcopi una cum sigillis dominorum
Roberti decani Abirdonensis Rogeri de Derbi precentoris Johannis de
Derbi tunc officialis Hugonis de Bennum canceUarii ac dicti Thome vicarii
est appensum • parti uero • penes dictum Thomam vicarium residenti •
sigillum capituli Sancti Andree • est • appensum ■]

' [From the original in tlie Denmylne Collection of Charters, in the Advocates' Li-
brary.]

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— MONKEGIE. 569

MONKEIGIE.'

ONKEIGIE was a chappel,^ built at first
by the Johnstons of Caskiben, for their own
family.

Dr. Arthur Johnston, who was born here, hath
thus described it :

" De loco suo natali.
Aeinula Thessalicis en hie lonstonia Tempe,

Hospes, hj^jerboreo fusa sub axe vides.
Mille per ambages nitidis argenteus undis,

Hie trepidat laetos Vrius inter agros.
Explieat hie seras ingens Bennaehius umbras,

Nox ubl libratur lance diesque pari.
Gemmifer est amnis, radiat mons ipse lapillis,

Queis niliil Eous purius orbis habet.
Hie pandit Natura sinum, nativaque surgens

Purpura felieem sub pede ditat hunium.
Ai?ra per liquidum volucres, in flumine pisees,

Adspicis in pratis luxuriare pecus.
Hie seges est, hie poma rubent, onerantur aristis

Arva, suas aegre sustinet arbor opes.
Propter aquas arx est, ipsi contermina eoelo,

Autoris menti non tamen aequa sui.
Imperat haec arvis, et veetigalibus undis,

Et famula stadiis distat ab urbe tribus.

' [" There are three Druid's temples, and the remains of several more in this district."
(Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. ii., p. 541. Edinb. 1792.) " The place of the
Druidic temples that stood in the end of last century is now unmarked, with one exception
where a single stone remains, nearly two and a half feet square, and seven feet high. It is
remarkable that the corn grows very luxuriantly around this solitary pillar to a distance of
fifteen yards, and has always been eighteen inches higher than the crop immediately beside
it." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix., p. 744. Edinb. 1842.)

''■ [A mortgage ot an annual rent from the lands of Hilton in the barony of Dunnotter, in
The Mearns, dated on the twenty-eighth of November, 1481, is made redeemable " apone
Sancte Serwe altar in the paroche kyrk of Monkege." (Original deed in the Library of The
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.)]

570 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Haec mihi terra parens : gens has lonstonia lymphas,

Arvaque per centum missa tuetur avos.
Clara Maronaeis evasit Mantua cunis,

Me mea natalis nobilitabit humus."'

Keithall, a castle, formerly called Caskiben,^ and possessed

under that name by the Johnstons ; but purchased, A.D ,' by

Sir John Keith, (second son to William Earl Marishal, and Mary
daughter to John Earl of Mar,) who, for his loyality to King Charles
ir., when exiled, and particularly his having preserved the crown,
scepter, and sword of Scotland, was created, A.D. m.dc.[lxxvii.].
Earl of Kintore, Lord Keith of Inverury and Keithall, and Here-
ditary Knight Marishal of Scotland. By him the house was en-
larged with two wings, in the years m.dc.xcvii., m.dc.xcviii.,
M.DC.xcix., and beautifyed with a fine front. By Margaret,
daughter to [Thomas second] Earl of Hadington he had Earl
William ; who by Catharine, daughter to [David fourth] Viscount
of Stormont, had John, now Earl."

Kendal, another seat of the Earl of Kintore, was formerly
called [Ardiharrall], being possessed under Kings Charles I. and II.
by Robert Burnet of Crimond, (a farm hard by,) who was a son of
Leyes, and a lord of session, and father to the famous Dr. Gilbert

Burnet, (born here September the , A.D. m.dc.xliii.,) who

being bred in Marshal CoUedge,^ became afterward professor of
divinity at Glasgow, and at last being made a Bishop, was presented
by the Prince of Orange in the see of Sarum.

' [Artvri lonstoni Poemata Omnia, p. 36-3. A not ungraceful translation of these lines is
printed in Mr. Alexander Johnston's Genealogical Account of the Family of Johnston,
appendix, p. 14.]

- 2 [" The Castle of Caskieben was situated on a rising ground, a few hundred yards to
the east of the present house of Keith-hall. Its ruins are still to be seen." (Mr. Alex-
ander Johnston's Genealogical Account of the Family of Johnston, appendix, p. 9.)]

3 [About the year 1662.]

* [John third Earl of Kintore, succeeded his father in the year 171*^, and died at Keith-
hall on the twenty-second of November, 1758.]

* [See above, p. 39, note ^, and Bishop Burnet's History of His Own Times, p. 670,
edit. Lond. 1838. 8vo.]

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— KINKELL. 571

[a DESCRFPTION of the parish of KEITH-HALL, ALIAS MONTKEIGIE. BY MR.
GORDON, MINISTER OF ALFORD, M.DCC.XXIV., AND MR. WILLIAM ROBERT-
SON.'

X he parish of Keith-hall, alias Montkeigie, hath, to tiie south, the parishes of
Kinkell and Inverurie ; to the west, the parish of The Chappell of The Garioch ;
to the north, the parish of Bouerty ; and to the east, the parish of New Machar.

The church, which lyes in a little kirktoun, is north-east from Inverurie about
half a mile.

The house of Keith-hall, the seat of the Earl of Kintore, is south-west from
the church a quarter of a mile. It's the finest house in this shire.

The house of Kendale, formerly Ardiharrell, belonging to the said noble lord, is
north-east from the house of Keith-hall two miles. On the north of it lyes a
verie considerable large moss, called The Moss of Kendale.]

KINKELL. 2

INKELL hath for its tutelar Saint Michael,
Archangel. Besides his well and fair here, this
may be collected from the liegistriim Chartarum.
The principal of Saint Leonard's college is patron,
(by the procurement of Archbishop Sharp.) The
church had, formerly, a turret in the middle, (for a
steeple,) and a great window in the east end.
The word signifies a chief church ; and so it was, having six that
depended on it, (Kintore, Kemney, Kinnellar, Monkeigie, Druui-
blait, and Dyce,) all which of old, as well as Kinkell itself, were
severally provided of a priest who officiated in them, as chaplain,
or vicar, for the parson of Kinkell himself ; who, being a principal
person in the chapter, had his residence at the cathedral in the
chanonry.

This church had, formerly, its chancel seperated from the rest of

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

- [" In the year 1754, the lords commissioners for the plantation of kirks disjoined about
one third part of the parish of Kinkell, and annexed it to Kintore ; the other two thirds of
Kinkell they annexed to Keith-hall, or Montkeggie ; and they appointed that these pa-
rishes, in all time coming, should be called The united parishes of Keith.hall and Kinkell."
(Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. ii., p. 527. Edinb. 1792.)]

572 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

the church, by a timber wall ; and, in the south side of the chancel,
it has three pillars, but for what use, considering the fashion of
them, is not easy to guess. In the north side, (opposite to the
pillars,) is a place in the wall, wherein of old the host was pre-
served, with this inscription over it in green stone : " Hic . est ■
SERVATVM • CORPVS ■ DE • viRGiNE . NATVM." (Underneath
is written : " obijt m • a • g • " (that is, Mr. Alexander Gal-
loway,) " 1528."' His name is also written a little beneath
the crucifix: so, it seems, he was the author of these works.) ^
A little farther westward, on the same side, is a little crucifix
set in the wall, made also of a sort of green stone, having some
other figures on it. Here is also a very large Font. But this
church is now so lamentably polluted and profaned, that one is
ashamed to write of it. '

Mr. James Ogilvie, parson here, and abbot of Dryburgh, * dyed
at Paris, A.D. m.d.xviii., and his anniversary was kept, at Aber-
deen, on May the thirtieth.*

' [The inscription has been otherwise read, thus : " anno • domini • 1528 • memo-
rare • A ■ G • "]

- [" Alexander Gallovidiancs, Killteldensis ecclesiae pastor, vir praeter insignem
])robitateni, rerum admirandarum studio incomparabili, scripsit ' De Hebridum Insularum
Natura, et Arboribus anseriferis, lib. i.' Hoc sane genus avium arboribus in Scotia produci,
praeter nostrates, docuerit Ptolomaeus, Munsterus ; Aeneas Sylvius negat ; mirantur alii :
vulgo clakkis dicuntur. Floruit anno mdxii." (T. Dempsteri Hist. Ecclesiast. Gentis
Scotorum, t. i., pp. 321, 322.) See H. Boetii Aberdonensivm Episcoporvm Vitae, f.
xxviii b. ; The Miscellany of The Spalding Club, vol. i., pp. 76, 77.]

3 [" The church was long and narrow, its extreme length being nearly eighty feet, and
breadth about twenty-four. The east end contained a large and elegant window, eight
feet wide, ornamented outside with a weather moulding, resting on human heads for corbels.
In other respects the edifice was plain. A tradition is retained of images having been liept,
and incense burnt, at the altar end ; and much wealth is believed to lie with the foundation
stone in the south-east corner. In 1771, the church was unroofed, and the materials used for
the new church at Montkegie. Since that time it has gone rapidly to ruin, more perhaps
from the ravages of man than from the eftects of the elements." (Archaelogia Scotica,
vol. iii., pp. 8—10.)]

' [See H. Boetii Aberdonensivm Episcoporvm Vitae, f. xxviii.]

• Registrum Chartarum.

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— KINKELL. 573

In a gift of Mr. Alexander Galloway, parson here, and bachelor
of the canon law, in decretis, whereby he grants Cryne's lands in
Futtie to the chaplains at the cathedral, A.D. m.d.xliii., Alex-
ander Anderson, ' then sub-principal of The King's College, (after-
ward the last Roman Catholick principal,) being a witness, is de-
signed vicar of Kinkell. ^

Here, (in the church,) is a large gravestone, supposed to be of
one of the chaplains slain at the battle of Harlaw, because in the
inscription the year agrees, being A.D. M.cccc.xi. But this in-
scription cannot be read compleatly, standing thus : " Hie jacet
Robertus Armiger doniinus de Stri . . . ." ^ The arms

' [" Alexander Andersonds, S. Theologiae Doctor, unus ex iis qui ex clero Aber-
donensi electi, Edimburgum profecti fidei suae rationem reddiderunt, quern comitati sunt
Joannes Leslaeus, turn ofEcialis, postea senator regni, et episcopus Rossensis, Patricius
Myrtonus, Jacobus Strachanus. Hie et intrepide et diserte haeretias impugnavit, et postea
in scripta redegit ' Tractatum de Sacrificii Altaris Veritate et Ritibus, lib. i.' Scribebat
anno mdlx. Jo. Leslaeus, lib. x., pag. dlxxiv." (T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica
Gentis Scotorum, t. i., p. 49.) See above, p. 320, note '.]

2 [On the eighteenth of July, 1473, " in the actioune and causs persewit be maister Wil-
liam Achinlek persone of Kynkel one the ta pairt againe Andro Alanesone Walter Fraser

Johne Glenning Johne Symsone Andro Matheousone on the tother

pairt / anent the wrangwiss withhalding of certane soumez of mone for the teindis of the
prebend of Kinkell of the last yeris bigane / Bathe the said pairtijs beand present be thaini
self and thair procuraturis and thair resonis and allegacionis at lenthe sene herd and vndir-
standin the lordis auditouris of complaintis decretis and deliueris that the said Andro Alan-
esone Johne Symsone Andro Mathisone Thome Duncane Johne of Kyner Johne Baxtare and
Gawane of Myll sail content and pay to the said maister William the soume of xxx merkis /
Andro Scherare William Philpsone Nichole Hervy and William Garioch ix merkis and a
half / Isabell Scherare vj merkis ' Thomas Sampsone Johne Robert Johne Thomsone vj
merkis ; William Garioche Dauid Garioche iiij merkis and a half / William Fowlare and
Andro Beldistoune viij merkis / Dauid Colisone and Ranald Diss vj merkis / Adam Ander-
sone vj merkis / William Chaumer vj pundis / James Hireman viij merkis / Dauid Ogilby
vij merkis / and the said Ranald Diss vj merkis / quhilkis thai grantit thaim self thai take
vp of the teindis of the said prebend of the said yeris And ordanis that letres be writin
to destrenye thaim thair landis and gudis herefore." (Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p.
24.; Robertson's Parliamentary Records of Scotland, p. 177.) On the twenty-seventh of
June, 1494, "maister Adam of Gordoune " is " persone of Kingkell." (Acta Domi-
norum Concilii, p. 341.) See also The Miscellany of T,he Spalding Club, vol. i., p. 66.]

3 [The inscription has been otherwise read, thus : " J)ic ■ iacct • nobilis • arnu-
flcv • tobertUB • trc • Bcvi anno • iomini . m • cccc • x\ .'']

4 D

574 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

are, between a cheveron, two water budgets, in chef, and a hunting
horn, in base. On the stone ther is farther carved, at large, in a
rude Gothic way, the figure of a man partly in armour, praying in a
very devout manner.

[a description of the parish of KINKELL. by MR. GORDON, MINISTER OF
ALFORD, M.DCC.XXIV., AND MR. WILLIAM ROBERTSON. •

The parish of Kinkell hath, to the south, the parish of Kintore ; to the west and
north-west, the parishes of Kemney and Inverurie ; to the north, the parish of
Keithhall ; and to the east, the parish of Fintray.

The church lyes in a little kirktoun, on the north-east side of the river of
Done, about a hundred paces from it ; south-east from Inverurie, one mile ;
north-west from Kintore, one mile.

The house of Balbithan^ is east from the church, one mile.

The house of Thainstoun, belonging to Mitchell of Thainstoun, is in

the parish of Kinkell, about half a mile to the west from the church.

At the kirktoun of Kinkell stands a great yearly fair, called Saint Michael's
Fair.

Carta Katerine de Gothynnys -^ (a.d. 1450.)

Omnibus [etc.'] Katerina de Gothynnys domina quarte partis de Thanstown
[etc.] Sciatis me in mea pura viduitate [etc.] cum consensu et assensu Jo-
hannis Currour filij mei et heredis vendidisse [etc.] Thome Vardrop de
Gothynys totam quartam partem meam terrarum de Thanstown cum perti-
nenciis iacentem in Thanagio de Kyntor infra vicecomitatum de Abirdene /
ac totam quartam partem meam vnius annui redditus de Kynkel cum per-
tinenciis [eic] Tenendam [etc.'] a me [etc.'] de domino Comite Moravie et
heredibus suis in feodo [etc.'] Faciendo \_etc.'] dicto domino Comiti de Mur-
rauia [e/c] seruicium debitum et consuetum [etc.'] In cuius rei testimonium
huic present! carte sigillum meum vna cum sigillo predicti Johannis filij mei
et heredis est appensum apud Pertht octauo die mensis Januarij anno Do-
mini millesimo quadringentesimo quadragesimo none / Et quia sigillum

' [From Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.]

2 [" Near the old house of Balbithan is a small rising ground, called The Law, where
justice was antiently administered." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. ii., p. 541.
Edinb. 1792.)]

> [From the original in the charter chest at Whitehaugh. See above, p. 251.]

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— KINKELL. 575

raeum et predicti filij mei sunt minus nota procurauinius cum instancia si-
gillum honorabilis viri dominl Andree Ogilivi de Y'nchmartyn militis vna
cum sigillis nostris presentibus append! pro maioris rei euidencia et rati-
ficacione sigillorum nostrorum anno et loco quibus supra coram hiis testibus
Patricio Ogilvil domino Willelmo Raperlau curate ecclesie Sancti Petri de
Ynchmartin domino Thoma filio Michael Andrea Etllj armigero Siraone
filio Johannis Patricio Loge et multis aliis

Carta confirmacionis de Thanystoune • ' (a.d. 1465.)

Jacobus Dei gracia Rex Scotorum \_etc.'] Sciatis nos dedisse [eic] dilecto
seruitori nostro Thome Wardroppare de Gothnys terras de Thanystoune
cum pertinenciis necnon annuum redditum decern solidorum vsualis monete
regni nostri [_etc.'] de terris de Kynkel cum pertinenciis iacentes in Thana-
gio de Kintor infra vicecomitatum nostrum de Aberdene Quequidem terre
[etc.'] fuerunt dilecti nostri Martini Benyng hereditarie Et quas idem
Martinus [etc.] in manus nostras [etc.'] sursum reddidit In cuius rei [etc.]
apud Striueline vicesimo die mensis Septembris anno Domini millesimo
quadringentesimo sexagesimo quinto Et regni nostri sexto

Carta Henrici Forbess • ' (a.d. 1467.)

Omnibus [etc.] Alexander Wardropar de Gothnys Salutem [etc.] Sciatis
me [etc.] vendidisse honorabili viro Henrico Forbess de Kynnellour totas
et integras terras meas de Thanystoun cum pertinencijs necnon annuum
redditum triginta solidorum [etc.] de terris de Kynkell vna cum villa de
Foulartoun predicte terre de Thanystoun adiacenti in thanagio de Kyntor
infra vicecomitatum de Abirden et omnes canas tam ordij quam casei et
totam pecuniam michi vel heredibus meis racione ferchane contingentem de
terris de Kynkell et de Dyse infra thanagium predictum [etc.] Tenendas
[etc.] a me et heredibus meis in feodo [etc.] Reddendo domino nostro
Regi et suis successoribus seruicia debita et consueta [etc.] In cuius rei
testimonium sigillum meum presenti carte mee est appeusum vna cum
sigillo honorabilis viri Johannis de Halyburtoun de Gask per me procurato
et huic presenti carte eciam appenso apud ecclesiam Sancti Martini de
Melgynche septimo die mensis Septembris anno Domini millesimo quad-
ringentesimo sexagesimo septimo hijs testibus Patricio de Blar de Petrewy

1 [From the original in the charter chest at Whitehaiigh.]

576 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Thoma Blar fratre germano Alexandri Blar de Bowthyok Patricio de
Cochrane de Colane Willelrao de Camera de Ballnacrag domino Johanne
Hude vicario de Abernyte notario publico dominis Johanne Crag Patricio
de Pettillok et Valtero Vrycht capellanis cum multis alijs et diuersis
Ego Alexander Wardrop approbo preraissa manu propria

Carta Willelmi de Camera • ' (a.d. 1479.)

Omnibus [^etc] Jacobus Herman dominus octane partis de Tbanistoune •
Salutem [etc^ Noueritis me [etc.'] vendidisse honorabili et circumspecto
viro Willelmo de Camera de Balnacragis [etc.'] vnum annuum redditum
triginta solidorum [<?<c.] de dictis terris meis de Thanistoune et annuo
redditu meo de Kynkel [etc.] In cuius rei testimonium sigillum meum pre-
sent] carte mee est appensum apud Kynkel vicesimo die mensis Junij anno
Dominj millesimo quadringentesimo septuagesimo nono •

Carta Wilhelmi de Camera • ^ (a.d. 1481.)

Omnibus [e<c.] Alexander Ardbeky de eodem salutem [etc.1 Noueritis me
[etc.'] vendidisse [etc.] honorabili viro Wilhelmo de Camera de Balnacrage
totam et integram octauam partem meam terrarum de Thanistoun cum
pertinencijs jacentem in thanagio de Kintor [etc.] vna cum annuo redditu
quinque solidorum [etc.] de villa de Kinkell prope aquam de Done [etc.]
In cuius rei testimonium sigillum meum huic presenti carte mee est appen-
sum apud burgum de Abirdene vicesimo secundo die mensis Decembris
anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo octuagesimo primo [etc.]

Carta Henrici Forbes • ' (a.d. 153.5.)

Omnibus [etc.] Alexander Chalmer de Balnacrag [etc.] Noueritis me
[etc.] vendidisse [etc.] honorabili viro Henrico Forbes de Thanistoun
[etc.] Totas et integras terras meas octaue partis terrarum de Thanistoune

1 [From the original in the charter chest at Whitehaugh. Of the same date precept
of sasine was directed " honorabili viro Alexandre Jonstoune de eodem et domino de
Caskyben." (Original in the charter chest at Whitehaugh.)]

2 [From the original in the charter chest at Whitehaugh. This and the preceding
charter were confirmed by King James III., by a charter under the great seal, dated at
Edinburgh, on the fourth of March, 1482. (Original in the charter chest at
Whitehaugh.)]

' [From the original in the charter chest at Whitehaugh.]

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— RAYNE.

577

et Fullartoune predicte terre de Thanistoune adiacentem vnacura annuo
redditu meo quinque solidorum [etcl de terris villarum ecclesiarum de
Kynkell et Dyss jacentes in thanagio de Kintor infra vicecomitatum de
Abirden Necnon oranes canas tam ordei quam casei et totam pecuniam
michi raeione ferchane contingentes de terris de Kinkell et Dyss [e<e.] In
cuius rei testimonium sigillum meum proprium vnacum mea subscriptione
manuali presentibus est appensum Apud Abirden septimo die mensis
Aprilis Anno Dominj millesimo quingentesimo trigesimo quinto Coram
testibus honorabilibus viris Patricio Chene de Essilmont Patricio Mowat
de Bolquholly Thoma Annand de Auchterelloune Magistro Andrea Tuli-
def de Ranistoun Johanne Cheyne in Drumquhendill et magistro Johanne
Nicliolsoun notario publico cum diuersis aliis

Alex' Cham' of Balnacreg w' my hand]

RAYN. '

,>t5^; AYN hath for its tutelar Saint Andrew the
r'^J^-' Apostle.

§1 Mr. John Barber, parson here, author of the
P^* epic on King Robert I., dyed A.D. M.ccc.xcvi. ;
|v and his anniversary was kept at Aberdeen, on
March the thirteenth.

Virgin Mary's, at Rotmais.

' [" In the south-east part of the parish is a conical hill, called a law, on which, according
to tradition, trials were held of old, and doom was pronounced. About a mile westward
from it is a well called St. Lawrence Well ; and, at the distance of another mile west, is
the village of Old Rayne, where is held an annual market, named Lawrence Fair. On a
small rising ground, in the middle of this village, and which was surrounded by a moat, there
was once a house of residence for the Bishop of Aberdeen : the foundation was discernible
in the last century, but has since been effaced, and the ground brought under tillage. Here
also is a market cross, consisting of an upright pillar of hewn granite, raised on a pedestal of
circular steps, and measuring nearly twelve feet from the ground to the top. About the
middle of this pillar is an iron sta])le, with links, the remains of thejougs, in which offenders
were wont to be exposed to public shame. Four hundred yards eastward from the village
[on the top of an eminence called The Candle Hill,] is a Druidical circle or temple. Another
Druidical circle is seen on the east side of The Hill of Rothmaise. At Freefield is an
artificial grassy mound of sixty yards in circumference, and eighteen feet in height. Near
the church is a large flat-headed rock, called Bowman Stane. Half a mile east from this,
is a rising ground named Saint Andrew's Hill, on which feles may have formerly been held

Chappel.

578 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Miiniior. Little- Warthle, ' the seat of Elphinston of Warthle.

in honour of the patron saint ; and a mile eastward from that, is a round knoll or emin-
ence, on the lands of Meikle Warthill, called The Earl of Marr's reive or ree." (The New-
Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., pp. 424—426. Edinb. 1840.)

" The church of Rain stands on a rising ground hard by a big kirktown, and is a
large, handsome, country church, being divided into two parts : the church, which is the
west part ; and the choir, which is the east part of the building, and a little narrower and
lower than the church. They are united by an high arch, on the top of which there was a
solid round steeple, or spire, of cut stone, with a cross of iron, having a weathercock on its
top. But length of time making a crevice in the arch near the keystone, about the year
1720 this steeple was thrown down in order to repair the arch, and was not rebuilt, though
it was a great ornament to the church ; insomuch, that all the parishioners expressed their
dislike at the demolition of it : and though there was a round stone near the top of the
steeple, with an inscription upon it, yet it was broke in pieces ; and not one had the curio-
sity to take down the inscription in writing ; so that this piece of antiquity is irrecoverably
lost through want of taste, or rather, indeed, downright stupidity. The iron cross and
weathercock were placed on the top of the bell-house. There are two large arched doors in
the south wall, and a lesser one, with a lintle, in the north wall. Of late years, Leith of Free-
field, alias Threefield, built an isle on the north side of the church, which serves to accomo-
date the parishioners with greater ease ; for the parish, though not very extensive in bounds,
is very numerous in inhabitants, having some of the largest farm towns of any in Scotland,
viz., Kirktown of Rain ; Little Wartle ; Meikle Wartle ; Luesk ; Old Rain ; New Rain ; and
Bonnytown ; besides other lesser farms. In some of the large farm-towns, there will be,
one year with another, about one hundred living souls, including children ; which is to be at-
tributed to the great plenty of good corns and moss in this parish, which abounds so much
in corn grounds, that there is but little grass in proportion to the number of inhabitants.
There used to be a very flourishing school at the kirktown of Rain ; but, of late years, it
has been much upon the decay : about the years 1710 and 1712, there were for ordinary
about eighty scholars at it, if not more." (Description of the Country of The Garioch, in
the Edinburgh Magazine for 1760, p. 533.)

" Through this parish passes the King's highway, (to the south of the church) from Aber-
deen to Invernes. The house of Triefield, belonging to Leith of Triefield, is

west from the church one mile. The house of Wartle, belonging to ... . Leslie of
Wartle, is north from the church one mile. To the north and north east of the house of
Wartle, lyes a large moss, called The Moss of Wartle, which accomodates this and the other
parishes in feuel. To the east of the church a mile, lyes a large countrey town, called
Old Rain, where stands yearly one of the greatest of all the northern mercates, called Lau-
rence Fair; which on the day of selling the cattle will be about a mile in length." (A
Description of the parish of Rain, by Mr. Gordon, minister of Alford, 1724, and Mr.
William Robertson, in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS. ; and Description of
the Country of The Garioch, in the Edinburgh Magazine for 1760, pp. 533, 544.)]

' [See Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p. 172.]

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— OYNE.

579

OYN.'

|;YNE^ has an isle for the Leiths of Harthill, now
Pittodrie's.

Saint Ninian's at Pitmedden. Chappei.

Westhall, of old possessed by the Aber- Mannors.
crombies, (now of Birkenbog/) lately possessed
by Horn, vicar of Elgin, whose son now enjoys
it.

Harthill, a ruinous castle,* named, it seems, from the deer
about Bennachie, long possessed by the Leiths of Harthill, chiefs
of that name, the heir of which family was beheaded at [Edin-
burgh] for his loyality by the Marquiss of Argyle.'^ The heir at

' [" The only antiquities in this district are two Druidical temples." (Statistical Ac-
count of Scotland, vol. xv., p. 109. Edinb. 1795.) " The antiquities in this parish are
neither very numerous, nor very remarkable ; but the following appear to be worthy of
notice ; viz., three upright blue stones, about four feet high, having figures rudely cut in
them, of crescents crossed with triangles, and single and double circles joined by lines.
These stones were formerly laid horizontally on The Moor of Garden, at a little distance
apart ; but on this moor being planted with fir about thirty years ago, they were set up-
right in the west dike of the plantation, on the side of the turnpike road from Inverury to
Huntly, about half-way betwixt the twenty-third and twenty-fourth mile stone." (The New
Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix., p. 638. Edinb. 1842.)

John Leslie, the well known Bishop of Ross, was parson of Oyne from the year 1558 to
the year 1563.]

2 [In a roll of missing charters by King Robert I., is " Carta to Thomas Meinzies,
knight, of the lands of Unyn in The Garioch." (Robertson's Index to the Charters, p. 16.)
In a roll of missing charters by King David II., is " Carta to Archibald Weschell, of the
lands of Ouyn in the lordship of The Garrioch, by resignatioun of Meinzies of Fothergill."
{Id., p. 54.)]

3 [See Nisbet's Heraldry, vol. ii., part iv., appendix, p. 123.]

■• [" The walls of the castle bear evident marks of fire, being rent in several places from
top to bottom ; yet, they are perfectly erect, and very strong, being about five feet thick,
and forty feet high, with round towers, bartisans, loop-holes, an arched gateway and tur-
ret, and chimney vents above ten feet wide." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland,
number xxxix., p. 638.)]

5 [" There is a story that is certainly reported of Leith of Harthill, whose house lyes in
this parish, who having obtained a commission from Montrose, in the times of King Charles

580

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

present is a Roman Catholick priest. Their family being now quite
decayed, both it and the estate have been purchased by Erskin of
Pittodrie.

DAVIOT.

AVIOT is dedicated to Saint Colm,' the Abbott,
whose feast is on the ninth of June. The copy
of the Aberdeen Breviary which I have seen, ends
about the beginning of his service. However,
these verses on him are to be found in it :

" Sancte Columbii tuos prece dirige seruos •
Vt Christo digiie recolent tua festa benigne •
Poscendo veniam famulantum dirige vitam • "^

And in his hymn it is said :

" Qui regali prosapia ortus est in Hibernia
Et tenera infancia aspirat ad celestia •

the First, and having no horses to mount his troop, hearing that Craigivar with his troop
were lying at Inverury, went with some of his friends in the night time to Inverury, made
the whole troup prisoners, and with their horses mounted his own men, with whom he went
and made a good appearance in a day or two before Montrose, who highly commended the
conduct and courage of this young gentleman. He was afterwards taken prisoner by Mid-
dleton, and suffered death for his loyalty, at Edinburgh, on the twenty-sixth of October,
1647, scarce twenty-five years old. He was reckoned one of the most beautiful youths
in any country, and suffered, like a true and faithful loyalist, with great firmness and con-
stancy." (A Description of the parish of Oyn, by Mr. Gordon, minister of Alford, 1724,
and Mr. William Robertson, in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS. ; and Descrip-
tion of the Country of the Garioch, in the Edinburgh Magazine for 1760, p. 534.)]

> [" The church of Daviot having been dedicated to Saint Columba, or Colme, as many
other churches in Scotland were, his effigies in stone was placed in a niche within the
church ; but, in some of the days of confusion, the poor harmless effigies was dragged from
its place, and thrown out on the common road just opposite to the entry of the church-yard,
where it lay for many years exposed to the scorn and derision of mobish minds, and that it
might be trampled upon by travellers. It is not to be seen now. Ah ! poor doings of low,
illiberal souls, void of all taste and even common decency." (Description of the Country of
The Garioch, in the Edinburgh Magazine for 1760, p. 622.)]

- [Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, f. cii.]

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— DAVIOT. 581

Dum imitatus Abraham larain relinquens
Patriam secli pompam despiciens
Nil preter Deura diligens • " '

It has two silver chalices,^ gifted by Mr. Alexander Lunan, late
minister there.

The village at the church here had once a weekly market on
Thursday.

Saint James's,^ at Fingask. Chappei.

' [Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, f. cii.]

2 [They are inscribed : " Mr. Alexander Lunan minister. For Daviot. For tlie use
only of Episcopal ministers. 1705."]

3 [" There is a small inclosure on the lands of Fingaslc, which appears to have been used
formerly as a burial-ground. And in this inclosure were to be seen the remains of what
was believed to have been a Roman Catholic place of worship, from a silver crucifix being
found in digging the foundation of a mausoleum erected on the spot about forty years ago ;
and from there being a well in its immediate neighbourhood, which still bears the name of
' The Lady's,' or ' Our Lady's Well.' The foundations of a building, said also to have been
a Roman Catholic chapel, with a well close by, occasionally attracted notice, a few years
ago, on the estate of Lethenty. The well is still visible ; but no vestige of the building now
exists." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix., p. 82-2. Edinb. 1842.)

" There are two Druids temples, one of which makes part of the church-yard." (Statis-
tical Account of Scotland, vol. vi., p. 86. Edinb. 1793.) " On the lands of Mounie, and
on the highest ground in the parish, the remains of two Druidical temples are still observable.
The remains of a third were to be seen, within the last twenty years, in the church-yard ; but
the stones were some time ago removed, and employed as materials in building the walls of
a dwelling house." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix., p. 822.)

" Of ancient fields there was none fought here : only King Robert Bruce keept a camp
here, at a strait place called The King's Foord, lying on the north of the church one and a
half miles ; from which The King's Burn takes its name, because it runs exactly by the
same." (A Geographical Description of the parish of Daviot, 1724, in Macfarlane's Geo.
graphical Collections, MS.)

" Of gentlemen's houses it hath two, viz., Mounie, standing on the very east borders of
the parish, situat in a low valley, on the west bank of The King's Burn ; and Glacke, lying
on the west syde of the parish, situat somewhat higher than Mounnie." {Id.) " The
house of Glack, belonging to Elphingstoun of Glack, is west from the church one-
fourth of a mile. The house of Mounie, belonging to Seatoun of Mounie, is east from

the church three-fourths of a mile. The house of Saphock, belonging to Irvine of Saphock,
is east from the church one mile." (Description of the parish of Daviot, by Mr. Gordon,
minister of Alford, 1724, and Mr. William Robertson, in Macfarlane's Geographical Col-
lections, MS.)]

4 E

582 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Maniior. Glack, a beautiful new house, built A.D. m.dcc.xxiii., by El-

phinston of Glack, whose family has possessed this little estate for
two hundred years; the first of it being Arthur, a brother of
Bishop Elphinstou,' and having got the estate from him : so that
the present John Elphinston of Glack is, (inclusively,) the sixteenth
from the said Arthur in descent.

inver\jry.2

NVERURY* was dedicated to Saint Apolli-
NARis,^ disciple of Saint Peter, and first Bishop
of Ravenna; who, after a long tract of persecu-
tion and torments, dyed at last peaceably, in the
year of our Lord lxxxt., July the twenty-third.
His chappel here stood on Don, where is now a
farm, called Polinar-Chappel. '^

1 [On the twenty-third of January, 1492, " The lordis of eonsale decrettis and deliueris
that Johne Crukschank sail releif and kepe scathtles Andro Elphinstoune of The Glak of the
payment of xl schillings of annuale yerely clamit of the said landis of The Glak be the
chapellanis of Abirdene and sail halde the samyn landis fre thairof efter the forme of his
chartour and infeftment maid tharapone and as wes grantit be the said Johne Crukschank in
presens of the lordis." (Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 264.) See also, as to the lands of
Glack, pp. 261, 285, 306 -, Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p. 172 ; Registrum Episcopatus
Moraviensis, p. 230 ; Mr. Alexander Johnston's Genealogical Account of the Family of
Johnston, appendix, p 1.)]

"- [See above, pp. 126, 127.]

3 [On the eighth of July, 1494, " the lordis of eonsale decrettis and deliueris that
William Garioch burges of Abirdene sail content and pay to Schyr Alexander Monymele
chapellane cessionare and assignay ol' William Ker William Dowglas and Johne Andersone
executouris of vmquhile Schyr George Andersone vicare of Inuerowry the soume of fiftj
merkis vsuale money of Scotland aucht be the said William to the said vmqhile Schyr
George" etc. (Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 363.)]

■• [" Julie 23. S. Appollinaris bischop of Ravenna ordinit be S. Peter and martyrit
under Vespatiane, a.d. 74." (Adam King's Kallendar, 1588.) See Butler's Lives of the
Saints, vol. ii., p. 125, and the authorities there cited.]

5 [" On the lands of Manar, [formerly called Badifurrow,] the now ruinous chapel of
St. Apolonaris, the patron saint of the parish, stood. The farm is hence, by a corrup-
tion, called Polander. One of the two annual fairs, formerly held in the parish, was

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— INVERURY. 583

Blackhall, formerly the seat of the Blackhalls of That Ilk, '
but since purchased by Thane of Blackhall, and now, A.D.
M.DCc.xxvi., sold to one Grant.

Badiforrow,^ lately possessed by the Fergusons, (now of Pit-
four,) and at present by Forbes of Badiforrow.

called Polander Fair ; the other, on the eighth of September, was called Latter Lady Day,
from being held on the anniversary of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin." (The New
Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix., p. 682. Edinb. 1842.)

" Among the curious remains of antiquity deserving notice, are The Bass, and The
Koning or Conyng Hillock, two tumuli of conical form. The popular belief gives the
latter as the burial place of a King. The mound is undoubtedly artificial." (Id., pp. 680,
68L) " There is an ancient Druidical temple in the parish, but nothing very remarkable
about it. At the south end of the town of Inverury, and near the confluence of the
rivers, there stands a curious artificial mound of sand, covered with a fine green sward. It
is called The Bass. It is a truncated cone, very regular, and forty feet in perpendicular
height. Adjoining to it, on the east side, is another, about twenty feet high, but not so
regularly shapen." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. vii., p. .335. Edinb. 1793.)

" The church stands a pair of butts from, and on the south east end of, the town of
Inverurie, where the water of Urie, just by the church, falls into the river of Don.
Hard by this church, in the angle where the two waters joyn, stands a remarkable arti-
ficial mote or little hill, rising up like a piramide, called The Bass. The town of Inver-
urie has ane long street lying from north west to south east allong the water of Urie. In
this toun of Inverurie is a yearly fair, called St. Pollinar's Fair. The toun has no pub-
lick buildings save a church and a tolbooth." (A Description of the parish of Inverury,
by Mr. Gordon, minister of Alford, 1724, and Mr. William Robertson, in Macfarlane's
Geographical Collections, MS.)]

' [In the year 1591, was served heir of William Blakhall of That

Ilk, in the lands of within the regality of The Garioch, and in the office

of Coroner and Forester of The Garioch : " officio Coronatoris et Forestarii de Gar-
yeoch." (Inquisitiones Speciales, Aberd., no. 556.) In the year 1613, King James VI.
granted a charter, under the great seal, " Alexandro Burnet de Leys, terrarum de Black-
hall, cum officio Coronatoris de Garrioch." (Douglas' Baronage of Scotland, p. 42.)
" The name of Blackhall carried, argent, a hand issuing out of the sinister flank, and
thereupon a falcon perching, and hooded or ; and on a chief argent, three mullets azure."
(Nisbet's Heraldry, vol. i., p. 346.)]

2 [Now called Manar.]

584

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

KEMNAY.

EMNAY hath for its tutelar Saint Anne, mother
to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This parish
abounds with moss, out of which a good deal of
firr is digged ; so that it is, perhaps, the best
stored in fuel of any in this shire.

Kemnay,' possessed in the last age

Mannor. , ,i t~v i <» ,-n i i

by the Douglasses oi (jlenbervey ; then
by Sir Thomas Crombie, (who built the present house ;) then by
the Strachans of Glenkindy ; and lately belonging to Sir George
Nicolson of Kemnay, a lord of session, (whose father was Thomas,
an Aberdeen merchant ;) now to Burnet of Kemnay.

two chappels ;

MONIMUSK.

ONIMUSK hath for its tutelar the Blessed
Virgin Mary.

It has six silver chalices, whereof two were
gifted by the late Sir William Forbes of Moni-
musk.

Besides the church of the Priory,^ which stood
hard by the parish church,^ here were formerly

' [See Acta Dominorum Auditorum, pp. 170, 180, 183 ; Acta Dominorum Concilii, pp.
262, 263, 265, 268, 292, 313.]

2 [See above, pp. 169—285.]

3 [" The church, one of the handsomest countrey churches in Scotland, is about five
hundred ells west of the house of Monymusk ; but by whom, or when, built, whether the
parochiall church, or the church of the Priory hard by it, is entirely uncertain, there being
no date to be found about it, to instruct the one, or records yet heard of to determine the
other. About twenty yards north-east of the church, are to be discerned the remains of
the Priory, now entirely demolished ; but, by what can be discerned of the plan thereof,
it appears to have been a large building, and is situate in a fruitful! soil." (A Geographical
Description of the Parishes of Monymusk, Kemnay, and Cluny, by Mr. JafFray, schoolmaster

PRESBYTERY OF THE GARIOCH— MONYMUSK. 685

The Blessed Virgin Mary's, at Balvack, an oratory for the Two Chap-
Prior. P"'"

Saint Finnan's, at Abersnithick.' Manners.

MoNiMUSK,^ formerly possessed by Forbes of Monimusk, baron-
net f the first of which family was Mr. Duncan Forbes of Moni-

of , 1722, in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.) " Of the buildings of the

Priory no remains now exist, unless the present parish church, which is unquestionably very
old, may, as is supposed, have formed part of them. The eastern part of the church, com-
monly called the quire, is connected with the main part of the building, by a large opening
through the end wall, arched in form of a semicircle. (The New Statistical Account of
Scotland, number xxviii., p. 469. Edinb. 1840.)

" Besides two Druidical circles, one near the village, and the other on the side of a hill
about two miles south-west of it, and the remains of a small chapel, surrounded with what
appears to have been burial ground, now covered with full grown beeches and enclosed in
the midst of a corn field north of the Don, the only other monument of antiquity in the
parish is a figured stone, discovered upwards of forty years ago in a field near the river,
about a mile east of the house of Monymusk, where it had lain from time immemorial, and
was conveyed to the nearest part of the public road by order of the late Sir Archibald
Grant, and there fixed in an upright posture, where it still stands. The figure of a cross,
about four feet high, with rude ornaments cut into it, is very distinct." (The New Statis-
tical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., pp. 463, 464. ; Statistical Account of Scotland,
vol. iii., pp. 69, 70. Edinb. 1792.)]

' [" There are in this parish the remains of two small chapels, the one [near Abersnithak]
about half a mile north-east of Pitfichy, on the east side of the river Don ; the other, about
two miles westward from the present church, near a village called Todlachy." (A Geo-
graphical Description of the Parishes of Monymusk, Kemnay, and Cluny, by Mr. Jaffray,

schoolmaster of 1722, in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS., and in

The Edinburgh Magazine for 1760, p. 367.) In the latter, the description is accompanied by
a small map, " An exact delineation of the parish of Monymusk and part of Cluny, Kem-
nay, etc., parishes in Aberdeenshire." Near Arnidly a well is marked, named " Mary
Well ;" and a note bears that " this well was much frequented a few years agoe."]

2 [In a roll of missing charters by King David II., are " Carta to David Chalmer, the
lands of Petfcthik and Balnerosk, in baronia de Monimusk, in vicecomitatu de Abirdene,
quhilk Henry Monimusk forisfecit ;" and " Carta of remission to Henry Monimusk, and ane
new gift of all his lands within the sherifdome of Banff and Abirdene." (Robertson's Index
to the Charters, pp. 45, 46.)

See The Spalding Club Miscellany, vol. ii., pp. 96, 97, for a " Description of the present
state of Monymusk, and what hath been done to make it what it is. By Sir Archibald
Grant. 1716."]

5 [" Sir Francis Grant of CuUen, one of the Senators of the College of Justice by the

586 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

musk, second son to William Forbes of Corsinda, who seized the
Priory lands here at the reformation.'

PlTFICHIE."

title of Lord Cullen, sold his estates of Cullen, Eden, Down, etc., in Banifshire, and pur-
chased the whole lands of Monymusk in the year 1712, for one hundred and sixteen thousand
pounds, Scots, from Sir William Forbes, baronet. Lord CuUen's eldest son. Sir Archibald
Grant, was the first proprietor in the north of Scotland, who planted upon an extensive
scale, and introduced turnip husbandry in Aberdeenshire. Lord Cullen's second son, Wil-
liam, was also a distinguished ornament of the Scottish bar, was raised to the bench by the
title of Lord Prestongrange, and became Lord Justice Clerk. The late reverend Dr.
Alexander NicoU, canon of Christ Church, and Eegius professor of Hebrew in the university
of Oxford, was born in the village of Monymusk, on the third of April, 1793. Another
remarkable person connected with the parish was George Lesley, a Capuchin friar of the
earlier part of the seventeenth century." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland,
number xxviii., pp. 461 — 463.) See, as to the history of George Leslie, better known as
Father Archangel, Gordon's History of Scots Affau's, vol. iii., note d) and the authorities
there referred to.]

I [See above, pp. 171, 179—185.]

'' [" There is an old castle in the parish, called Pitfichie Castle, which, vrith the small
property formerly belonging to it, is said to have been long in possession of the family of
General Hurry or Urrie, of some notoriety in the times of the Covenant." (The New
Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 463.) See, as to the family of Urrie of
Pitfichie, Nisbet's Heraldry, vol. i., p. 289 ; vol. ii., part iv., appendix, p. 117; and Re-
marks on the Ragman Roll, p. 20. Lord Clarendon has condescended to make a brief
apology for Colonel Urry, " because, after all his tergiversations, he chose at last to lose
his life for and in the King's service; which ought to expiate for all his transgressions, and
preserve his memory from all unkind reflections " (History of the Rebellion, p. 510.)]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— ALFORD.

587

IN THE PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD.

ALFORD. '

NDER King James IV., I find Sir Henry Forbes
vicar of Alford, natural son to Duncan Forbes of
Argethin, (second son to Sir John Forbes, first
laird of Tolquhon,) which Sir [Henry] had two
sons, John and William.*

Bredda.

Balfluig, the seat of Forbes of Balfluig ; the

I [" In this parish, the Marquis of Montrose, upon the second day of July, 1645, won
the battle of Alford, by defeating Baillie, one of the generals of the Covenanters ; but his
cause sustained an irreparable loss, in the death of the Lord Gordon, the eldest son of the
Marquis of Huntly, who fell by a random shot, in the pursuit, near a large stone on the
field of battle, which is still pointed out by the country people. About fifty years ago,
some men, in casting peats, dug up the body of a man on horseback, and in complete armour,
who had been drowned either in the pursuit, or flight from the engagement ; and formerly
the country people were in use, when casting peats, to find balls, and pieces of money, which
had probably dropped from the flying.

" Upon the top of a little hill called Cairneveran, there is an immense cairn one hundred
and twenty yards in circumference, and of a proportionable height. A pretty large cairn
lately stood at a place called Cairnballoch : when it was removed, there was found near the
bottom, a sort of chest, composed of thin flat stones, containing an earthen vessel filled with
ashes. In the parish there is an eminence called The Gallow Hill, which had been anciently
a place of execution. Many of the parishioners report that Gregory the Great was buried
in the parish ; and there are several predictions current among the country people, attri-
buted by them to Thomas the Rhymer, which it would be unnecessary to recite." (Statis-
tical Account of Scotland, vol. xv., pp. 472 — 475. Edinb. 1795.) " A cairn of stones, (on
the summit of a hill named Carnaveran,) in the form of a truncated cone, one hundred and
twenty feet in diameter, and about twenty-five feet high, having been partly removed, there
were discovered under it several chests, formed of flat stones, in which were found ashes and
pieces of charcoal, and in one a rude urn of baked earth, in which also were found ashes and
pieces of bones. A circle of large stones, known by the name of ' The Auld Kirk,'
gives some countenance to the belief entertained by some persons, that such circles were
places of worship to the ancient inhabitants." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland,
number xxxviii., p. 499. Edinb. 1842.)

* Lumsden's MS. [Genealogy of the Family of Forbes, pp. 33, 34. edit. 1819. The
well-known Mr. John Forbes, moderator of the forbidden assembly of the kirk at Aber-

588 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

first of which family was John, son to William, second laird of
Corsinda, under King James V. ; which John, by Janet, daughter
to John Forbes of Brux, had William Forbes ; who, by Margaret,
daughter to Cults of Auchterawl, had * [John Forbes of Balfluig.]
AsLOUN,' a castle, formerly possessed by the Calders.

[Confirmacio Johannis Aberdonensis ecclesie rainistri / canonicis de Mu-
nimusc de ecclesia de Afford-^ (1199 — 1207.)

Vniuersis sancte tnatris ecclesie filiis etc. Johannes Dei gracia [Aber-
donensis ecclesie minister humilis etc."] Sciatis nos ad presentacionera Gil-
christ comitis de Marre dedisse ■ concessisse • et hac carta nostra confir-
masse • canonicis de Munimusc ibidem Deo seruientibus et inperpetuum
seruituris • Ecclesiatn de Afford ■ cum dimidia dauach terre ad ecclesiam
ipsara pertinente in qua sita est ecclesia ■ et cum decirais et oblacionibus •
et omnibus aliis rectitudinibus ad eandem ecclesiam spectantibus • in puram
liberam et perpetuam elemosinam in proprios vsus conuertendam • Quare
volumus ut prefati canonici prefatam ecclesiam cum omnibus pertinenciis
suis • ita libere • et quiete • plenarie • et bonorifice inperpetuum teneant
et possideant sicut aliqua ecclesia ab aliquibus viris religiosis in tota diocesi
nostra liberius et quiecius plenius et honorificencius tenetur et possidetur •
Saluis episcopalibus • Testibus etc •

deen in 1606, was minister at Alford. Notices of his life and writings will be found in
Archbishop Spottiswoode's Hist, of the Ch. of Scot., p. 486 ; Pitcairn's Criminal Trials,
vol. ii., pp. 494 — 304, and the authorities there cited ; Maidment's Catalogues of Scotish
Writers, pp. 13, 14: Maidment's Analecta Scotica, vol. ii., pp. 353, 354; Dr. Irving's
Lives of Scotish Writers, vol. ii., p. 43 ; The New Statistical Account of Scotland,
number xlii., pp. 1115, 1116. Edinb. 1S43.]

* Lumsden's MS. [Genealogy of the Family of Forbes, pp. 18, 19, edit. 1819.J

1 [" The old house of Asloune seems to have been a place of some strength. It was a
square building, with a round tower at each of two opposite angles, of which there is one
still remaining, though the greater part of the house was pulled down forty years ago. The
first storey was all vaulted, and there was a well in one of the vaults ; but the towers were a
continuation of one vault above another to the roof." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol.
IV., p. 474.)]

2 [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, p. 375. The same church was con-
firmed to the same religious by Pope Innocent III., between the years 1198 and 1216.
(Id., pp. 375, 376.) See also above, pp. 173, 174.]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— KILDRUMMY.

589

Carta Thome hostiarii domini Regis de ecclesia de Afford ■ ' (ante a.d.

1228.)
Omnibus [etc.'] ■ Thomas hostiarius domini Regis Scocie salutem • Noue-
ritis vniuersi me diuine pietatis intuitu necnon pro animabus patris mei et
raatris mee et antecessorum meorum • et pro salute anime mee • dedisse
[etcl Deo • et ecclesie Beate Virginis de Munimusc ■ et canonicis ibidem
Deo seruientibus et seruituris • Ecclesiam de Afford • cum omnibus ad earn
iuste pertinentibus in liberam puram et perpetuam elemosinam • Quare
volo et concedo ut predicti canonici predictam ecclesiam cum omnibus
iustis pertinenciis suis habeant et possideant inperpetuijm • adeo libere •
et quiete plenai'ie • et honorifice • sicut aliqua ecclesia in toto regno
Scocie ex dono alicuius militis ■ ab aliquo liberius • quiecius plenius • et
honorificencius tenetur et possidetur • Testibus etc ■ ]

KILDRUMMY.

ILDRUMMY hath for its tutelar Saint Bride.'
In the diocese of Aberdeen, the same collect was
used on her day as in that of Saint Andrews.
In the Aberdeen Breviary, her father is called
Duthac, and her mother Bracca. It is said, that,
quhen she made her vow of virginity befor the
Bishop, she touched the wood of the altar, which

' [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, p. 365. In the same register
(p. 365) there is a confirmation of the grant by Adam Bishop of Aberdeen, from the year
1207 to the year 1228.]

2 [" The church was formerly a chappel dedicated to St. Bride, and since enlarged,
called The Chappel in the Loch, being situate upon an eminence, surrounded on all sides
with a marish, except to the north-east, all which is now moss and meadow ground. At
the foot of the mount on which the church is built, is a well famous for curing diseases in
cattle, called Bride's Well. There is a fine isle, or vault, upon the south side of the church,
where the family of Elphinstone had their burial place. A mile east, on the south side of
Don, at a place called Macker's Haugh, is another chappel, dedicated to St. Macarius.
Two miles west, at Chapelton of Glenkindie, is another called Chapel Ronald ; and two
miles north, another dedicated to St. Luke, called Sammiluak's Chappel, formerly much fre-
quented by all the northern parioches. There are several Druids altars yet extant here.

4 F

590 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

thereupon immediately grew green ; ' and almost all the nine les-
sons for her day are filled with such miracles.
Manners. KiLDRUMMY, the chief messuage, or mannor, of the Earldom,

now the Dutchy, of Mar ; and the greatest castle in all this diocese ;
having formerly consisted of seven towrs, the highest of which is
called The Snow Towr, (though the remains only of six be now
discerned), and a chappel. 'Tis all built of hewn stone ; is
reckoned, at least, to be eight hundred years old ; and, though now
in ruins, looks still noble and grand. ^

Half a mile east from the castle, at a place called Auchinencie Muir, is the field of a battle
said to be fought betwixt Bruce and the English ; and another, one a half miles north east, in
The Muirs of Clova. There are two natural birch woods, one on the north, the other on
the south, side of the castle. There is a convenient inn near the castle, and another upon the
south road from Elgin, hard by the church, upon the west side of the moss, called Temple-
ton ; which place, with the lands adjacent, are said to have been formerly possessed by the
Knight's Templars."' (Description of the parish of Kildrummy [written about 1725], in
Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.)]

' [Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, f. xlv : " denique cum
parentes eius earn disponsare volebant ipsa castitatem elegit et coram sanctissimo epyscopo
votum emittcns lignum quo altare fulcibatur manu tetigit: quod lignum in commemora-
cionem prestine virginis vsque ad presens tempus viride vt si non esset recisum decorticatuni
sed in radicibus fixum virescit et languidos curat vsque in hodiernum diem . "]

- [" Kildrummy Castle, the antient seat of the Earl of Mar, is a short mile from the
church, the ruins of which show it to have been a most stupendous and magnificent fabrick.
It is said to have consisted of seven towers ; the lowest of which, on the west side, called The
Snow Tower, is yet standing, and is made up of seven stories of vaults, one above another,
about twenty foot high each. The top vault, which is covered with grass, has a breach
towards the north-east, commonly called The Devil's Gap, concerning which there arc
sundry fabulous traditions, needless to mention. There is, at the height of about two ordi-
nary chairs, a bench of single stones, built one and a half foot out, round the whole wall,
with severall doors opening to it from the wall. This is said to have been the court house,
or place where councils of war were held. The walls are in most places eighteen foot thick,
with spacious rooms within them, and a passage, with several small slits or holes for watching,
through the middle of them, going round the whole house. The stones are all hewn without
and within. In the bottom of the tower there was a draw-well, whence they drew water to
the top, through a round hole for that purpose in the middle of every vault. There is another
draw-well in the close. There is a passage under ground, vaulted above, and causewayed be-
low, for some hundred of paces, opening to a rivulet upon the north side, so high that two men
on horseback could ride abreast for watering, in case of a siege. This is now fallen, and stops

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— KILDRUMMY. 591

The estate of John Duke of Mar, (forfeited A.D. m.dcc.xvi.
by the Duke of Brunswick), was computed at one thousand six
hundred and seventy-eight pounds sterling, one part of it lying in
Clacmanan and Sterling shires, and the other in Aberdeenshire,
wliich follows : money, three hundred and seventeen pounds ;
barley, fifty-six boUs, at six shillings, eleven pence, and one-third of
a penny per boll ; oatmeal, one hundred and sixteen bolls, at six
shillings, eleven pence, and one-third of a penny per boll ; weathers,
sixteen, at three shillings and four pence each ; capons, ninety, at
six pence, and a third of a penny each ; hens, one hundred and
thirty-seven, at three pence each ; chickens, two hundred and
seventy-two, at two pence each ; geese, forty-two, at one shilling,
one penny, and one-third of a penny each ; linnen, four yards, at
seven pence each ; peats, one thousand and thirty-nine loads, at
two pence each.

Bkux, possessed of old by the Camerons, till, in the reign of
King James I., Alexander, (commonly called Alaster Cam,) fourth
son to Sir John Forbes of Druminour, [commonly called Sir John

going far in. But some of the old inliabitants pretend to have in their time entered here, and
gone through, under the castle, south, till they turned east again, and went so far on, that, for
fear and want of air, they could venture no farther. It is certain there are in this parioch several
openings to such vaults, which the countrey people call Pict Houses. On the north side of
the close is the remains of a most glorious hall, in form of an oblong square, more than sixty
feet in length, and about forty broad, with large arched windows : this is called Barnet's
Hall. On the north-east side is the ruins of a church, and a church-yard, where humane
bones have been frequently digged up. Towards the east is The Black Lardner, which
was burnt in the seige by Edward Carnarvon. It was burnt again by the English in Crom-
well's time ; and the new house on the south side, built by the Lords of Elphinstone, when
they were possessed of Kildrummy, was burnt by the Highlanders at the revolution. There
is no inscription upon the old work, nor any thing but conjecture as to the builders. It has
been in form of a square, opening towards the south, where there are three or four gates,
some iron ones yet extant, ere you can enter the inner close. It is situated in the head of a
plain, with a large hill to the west. Upon the north side is a den, with a current running
through the middle of it, called The Back Den. This was said to have been a fish pond.
Several vaults have been discovered under ground, one of which was well provided with
beef fats." (Description of the Parish of Kildrummy [written about 1725], in Macfarlane's
Geographical Collections, MS.) See Cordiner's Antiquities of the North of Scotland, pp.
14 — 19; Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xviii., pp, 415—422.]

592 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

with The Black Lip], (now represented by the Lord Forbes), by

Elisabeth Kennedy, (of Dunnure's family), married heiress

of Sir Hugh Cameron of Brux ; and thereby obtained not Brux
only, but also Glenconrie, and Glencarvie, in Strathdon parish.
This Alaster Cam was in long disgrace with the Earl of Mar, for
the slaughter of Mowat of Balquhollie ; but, at last, being reconciled
to him, obtained this marriage by his favour. He had two na-
tural sons, (by one Stewart), John Forbes of [The] Cults, and
Thomas Forbes [called Thorn] of the Loch. This Alaster Cam
had by the [said] heiress, (besides John [with The Skik Hair] called
The White Laird of Brux,' who had only four daughters), a second
son, whose name was Duncan Forbes of Drummalachy f who, by
Elisabeth, daughter to Creighton of Condlan, had William Forbes
of Kildrummy, (named first by Lumsden, so that he would seem to
have been the eldest,) and gleyed, or squint-eyed, John Forbes of
Brux ; who, by [Mary] daughter to Robert Gordon of Fetterletter,
had Alexander Forbes ; who, by Marjory, daughter to John Lord

Forbes, had John Forbes of Brux; who, by daughter to

Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo, had John Forbes of Brux ; who, by
Elisabeth, daughter to George Gordon of Auchmenzie, had [John
Forbes of Brux ; who, by Isobell, daughter to Caimburrow, had
Arthur Forbes of Brux.]^

' [See Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p. 136 ; Acta Dominorum Concilii, pp. 147, 148,
189.]

' [See Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p. 92.]

* [Lumsden's Genealogy of the Family of Forbes, pp. 39 — 41. edit. 1819.]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— CUSHNY. 593

CUSHNY.'

^'i^^ USHNY is dedicated to Saint Bride f who is
"^■^ ^ represented to have been the first nun in Scot-
land.

The ground of this parish is the coldest, (next to
that of Cabrach,) in this diocese.'

Cushny/ the seat of Lumsden of Cushny, reck- Mannor.
oned chief of this name.

[Confirmacio Bernardi de Kergylle • ^ (a.d. 1374.)

Robertus etc. Omnibus etc. Sciatis nos • approbasse etc. donacioneni
illani et concessionem quas Andreas de Lesley • fecit et concessit Bernardo

' [" Cushney is a poor countrey both for corn and pasture, and exceeding scarce of feuel.
The seats in it are : Cusliney, a mile east from the church ; and Hallhead, a mile and a half
south. The Earl of Rothes is patron. The number of examinable persons here is five
hundred and fifty. From 1720 to 17'27, being seven years, the baptisms were one hun-
dred and twenty, the burials seventy. The stipend is six hundred and twelve merks, fix'd
by a decreet of locality." (Description of the parish of Cushney, 17"27, in Macfarlane's
Geographical Collections, MS.)]

2 [" The small farm adjacent to the old church of Cushnie is still named Bride's Well.
Portions of the wall of the old church are still standing : the date 1637 is to be seen, and, on
a broken stone, 14 . . , indicating an erection in the fifteenth century." (The New Statis-
tical Account of Scotland, number xlii., p. 1127. Edinb. 1843.)]

' [Father Blackball calls " the Cuishney hilles, as wyld a part as is in al Scotland,"
and again, " as wyld a piece of ground as is in al Brittaine." (Extracts from the Presbytery
Book of Strathbogie, pref., pp. xx. xxi. Aberdeen: Printed for the Spalding Club, 1843.
4to.) " That part of the parish of Tarland which lies in Cromar, is divided from Cushny,
on the north, by a track of high and barren mountains ; of which there is a tradition
that the freebooters, who in more lawless times frequented these hills, when they came
from the uncivilized parts of Lochaber for the sake of plundering cattle, declared them to
be the coldest hills in Scotland ; and the assertion appears to be not ill-founded." (Sta-
tistical Account of Scotland, vol. vi., pp. 225, 226. Edinb. 1793.) " When Gilderoy
and his gang of freebooters haunted the hills of Cushnie, in the beginning of the seven-
teenth century, they are said to have declared them to be the coldest in Scotland." (The
New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xlii., p. 1104.)]

* [" The mansion house of Cushnie was built in the year 1688." (The New Statistical
Account of Scotland, number xlii., p. 1123.)]

5 [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 100. In the same register (p. 187) is a

594 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

lie Kergylle • de terra de Culmelly • et de Aid Culmelly • cum pertinen-
ciis in baronia de Cusseny infra viceconiitatum de Abirdene • Tenendara
[_etc.'\ in feodo et bereditate \_etc.'\ sicut carta dicti Andree • dicto Ber-
nardo exinde confecta • in se iuste continet \_etc.'\ Saluo seruicio nostro • •
In cuius rei [_etc.'] Apud Edynburgh • viij"° • die Januarii • anno regni
nostri • Tercio •

Carta Roberti Lummysden dimidietatis de Fowlis Mowat per comitem de

Rothes concessa • ' (a.d. 1479.)
Omnibus [e/c] Georgius Comes de Rothes et Dominus Lesly salutem in

charter of confirmation granted by King Robert III., in the year 1390, to Norman of
Lesley, of the lands of the barony of Balnebrech, in the sheriffdom of Fife ; the lands of the
barony of Lowre, and the lands of Dunlopy in the sheriffdom of Forfar ; and the lands of
the baronies of Cusschene and Rothynormane with their pertinents in the sheriffdom of
Aberdeen : " terras eciam baroniarum de Cusschene et Rothynormane cum pertinenciis
infra vicecomitatum de Abyrdene • Reseruato tamen Andree de Lesley • patri dicti Nor-
manni • pro toto tempore vite sue libero tenemento terrarum omnium predictarum . " On
the twenty-second of October, 1490, the lords of council decerned the " breve of inquest of
our Souerane Lordis chapell / purchest be George erle of Rothes apone certaine landis and
annuell be the decess of vmquhile his grantschyr " to have been wrongously served, because
the persons of inquest " haue nocht retourit the said landis to the avale as thai ar yerely
worth / that is to say i quhy thai retourit the baronre of Ballinbrecht to the avale of
ijc merkis the quhilk extendis yerly to v": mcrkis / the landis of Fethys to xx pundis quhilk
extendis yerely to Ixxx merkis / the landis of Quisny and Fowlis Mowat to xlvij merkis and
a half quhilk extendis in the yere to Ixx metkis / the landis and baronry of Lesly to Ixxx
of pundis quhilk extendis to j"^ and Ix pundis " [e^c] (Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 154.
See also p. 133.)]

1 [From the original in the charter chest at Fintray House. " I have seen a charter dated
at Kildrummy, on the twenty-second of July, 1377, granted by William Earl of Douglas
and Mar of the lands of Easter Foulis, in the earldom of Mar, to James Mowat, ' Jacobo
Montealto.'" (Nisbet's Heraldry, vol. ii., part iii., p. 45; part iv., pp. 31, Vii.)
" There is to be seen, in a hollow on the hill of The Shiel [in the parish of Leochel], a
curious memorial of the last Mowat of Foulis. This is a little mound, overgrown with
grass, called Mowat's Seat. The name is accounted for by the tradition that, when the
funeral procession of the last Mowat of Foulis, whose usual imprecation had been that ' he
might be buried beyond sight of kirk or mill," had reached this sequestered spot, the corpse
became preternaturally heavy, and the bearers were obliged to inter it there, whence no
view can be obtained of either of these objects." (The New Statistical Account of Scot-
land, number xlii., p. 1110.)

In a roll of missing charters by King David II., is " Carta to Thomas Lumisdaine, of

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— TOUGH. 595

Domino sempiternara / Noueritis nos vendidisse [etc.] dilecto nostro Ro-
berto Lummysden de Madelor omneiii et singulam dimidietatem terraruni
nostrarum de Fowlys Mowat et dimidietatem molendini eiusdem cum per-
tinenciis jacentem in baronia nostra de Cusny infra vicecomitatum de
Abyrdene pro quadam summa pecunie nobis gratanter pre raanibus perso-
luta [etc.'] Tenendam [etc.] de nobis et heredibus nostris comitibus de
Rothes in feodo [etc.] Reddendo inde annuatum [etc.] unum denarium
inonete currentis nomine albe firme [etc.] In cuius rei testimonium sigil-
lum nostrum apponi f'ecimus huic presenti carte nostre apud Ballinbrecht
ultimo die mensis Octobris anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo septu-
agesimo nono Coram hiis testibus magistro Alesandro Lummysden
rectore de Flisk Thoma Lummysden de Condillan Petro Cocln-ane de
Pitfour Johanne Malwyn filio et apparenti herede Willebui Malwyn de
Ratht et domino Georgio Thomson capellano • ]

TOUCH.'

HE church here is dedicated to The Nine Maidens.

i\ They were daughters to Saint Donevald, a Scot,

I? who yet lived among the Picts, in the Glen of

1^ Ogilvy, in Glammis parish, six miles from Dundee.

They lived here, as in a hermitage, labouring the

ground with their own hands, and eating but once

a-day, and then but barley-bread and water.

the lands of Drum, Condland, in vicecomitatu de Fyfe, and Easter and Wester Maler, in
vicecomitatu de Aberdene, by the Earl of Fyfe." (Robertson's Index to the Charters,
p. 58.)]

' [" On the brow of a hill there is a large stone standing perpendicular, about nine and
a half feet round, and twelve and a half feet high, beneath which tradition says that one of
Macbeth's sons is interred. There are several Druidical temples. One, on a hill about
two miles from the church, still retains the name of The Old Kirk of Tough." (Statistical
Account of Scotland, vol. viii., p. 269. Edinb. 1793.) " There are several of those re-
mains known by the title of Druidical circles, in the parish, and among the hills adjoining
it ; and, generally, where one of these is found, others of smaller size are to be met with, in
its close vicinity. The largest of these lies in a very sequestered situation, and is called
The Auld Kirk of Tough. It is surrounded by numerous small tumuli, which suggest the
idea of a burying-ground connected with the place of worship. There is one on a smaller

596 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

After their father's death, they adressed Garnard, King of the
Picts, for aifording them a place of retirement ; who, accordingly,
gave them a lodging and oratory at Abernethey, and also some
lands. They were visited there by King Eugen VII. of Scotland,
who made them large presents ; and dying there, they were buried
at the foot of a large oak, much frequented by pilgrims till the
reformation. They flourished in the beginning of the eighth
century.* Their feast is on July the fifteenth.! The two eldest
were Saint Mazota and Saint Fincan.

TONLAY.'

KiNCRAiGiE, belonging formerly to the Lesleys of Kincraigie,
but now to one Auchynachie, who has newly bought it.

scale, but more complete and interesting, on the moor which divides this parish from that
of Monymusk. The tumuli around it are without number ; and the remains of ancient walls
or causeways may be traced among the heather, running out from the principal circle, and
connecting it with several lesser ones. On the hill above Whitehouse, near its summit,
there stands a stone evidently monumental. It is upwards of twelve feet in height, and
bears the name of Luath's stone, from a tradition that a son of Macbeth's so called, fell
here, in flying from Lumphanan, where his father was slain." (The New Statistical Ac-
count of Scotland, number xxxix. p. 613. Edinb. 1842.)]

♦ Boetius in Eugenie VII. [Scot. Hist. lib. x. f. 180.]

f King's Calendar [: " Jvlie 15. The 9 virgins dochters to S. Donewalde vnder King
Eugenius the 7. in Scotland, a.d. 712."]; though Camerarius [De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p.
163] places the feast both of Saint Donald and them on July twelfth. But the .\berdeeii
Breviary agrees with King.

' [In a roll of missing charters by King David II., is " Carta to Isabel Toulch, sister
to Henry Toulch, of the lands of Toulch, in vicecomitatu de Abirdene." (Robertson's
Index to the Charters, p. 30.)]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— LEOCHEL. 597

LEOCHEL.

EOCHEL is dedicated to Saint Marnan, Bis-
hop. * The Bishop of Dumblain is patron. It
has an isle built by Sir William Forbes, the first
1>aronet of Craigievar ; and two silver chalices,

* Aberdeen Breviary [prop. Sanct. pro tempore hyemali, f. Ixi. :
^^^.,, " Beatus Marannus presul Christi egregius iam in tutulo positus
^%^-" gubernaculum fidei viriliter tenuit / anchoram spei sue tranquilla
iam in stacione magnifice composuit / et cum celestibus diuiciis at eternis mcrcibus
onustam nauem optato in littore coUocauit : qui contra omnes aduersarios scutum timoris
Dei tarn diu infatigabiliter tenuit donee ad victoriam peruenirct • quid enim fuit illius vite
cursus nisi vnus cum vigili hoste conflictus • Habuimus in eo modicum qui de celo lapsus est
cum quo sanitas fines nostros immo ipse sanitatum auctor per eum intrauit • O quantos il!e
intrinsecus vulneratos oris arte et oracionum firmitate curauit et Domini sui admirandus
imitator iam mortuos Deo e contrario viuificans nicliil omnino aliorum blandimentis et cogita-
cionibus vanis consenciebat • Quantos vero per incuriam longam peccati labe solutos et
quadam lepre contagione perfusos piissimis castigacionibus et persuasionibus diuina virtute
mundauit : atque animas quamplurimas in corpore viuentes iam defunctas et delictorum mole
obrutas et sepultas ad emendacionem tanquam ad lucem vocando Deo resuscitauit : et inno-
cencie statui in integrum restaurauit . Et ita beatus ipse Marnanus vir Dei et fortis in temp-
tacione atlileta Cliristi in docendo predicando exhortando et persuadendo creaturas Dei quas
reperit vt ab omni populo qui eum audiebant et vbi fama ejus diuulgabatur Justus mansuetus
et pius vocaretur et non aljsque diuinorum miraculorum tanta fidei signacula peragisse as-
seruere / ita vt tanquam Deum in terris adorarent ■ Sed tandem corporis sui grauatus infir-
mitate in sancta senectute animam suam sanctissimam ad celos penetrandos premisit / et in
ecclesia de Abirkerdoure que nunc pulcherrimo Duuerne fluuio munita et vallata existat dio-no
cum honore sepelitur / et ibidem hucusque Deo operante requiescit indies sanitatem prebens
languidis . Gloriosum vero caput eiusdem singulis Dominicis diebus per annum populo et
clero suppliciter deprecantibus et luminaribus accensis lauari solet et infirmis et male ha-
bentibus quacunque egritudine deferri vsu est qua potata per eosdem infirmitatibus per-
maximo adiuuamento est et quamplurimi exlnde meritis beati viri sanitatem percipiunt ■
Evenit equidem dum nonnulli malarum cogitacionum viri nequissimi inconsulte furore et
iracundia succensi quedam bona ecclesiastica eidem ecclesie de Abirkerdoure annexa surri-
perent : moniti interea per diocesanum antistitem vt beato viro et ecclesie sue quibus
iniuriati sunt satisfacerent qui illic venientes pedibus decalciati et cerios in manibus gestantes
metu tamen et non sancti amore perculsi mirum dictu cerei huiusmodi in illorum manibus
quacunque arte igne sepius appositi lumen emittere minime valuerunt / depositi namque de
illorum manibus illico accensi sunt • Tirannus insuper arborem quandam de territorio eccle-
sie eiusdem de Lochellis Abirdonensis diocesis vi extrahere nitebatur atque per rusticulum
quemdam eradicabat quam cum rusticus ille in eius dorso leuiter apprehendisset et ad cram

4 G

598 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

gifted, (since the reformation,) by Robertson of Wester Fowlis
here.

Chappel. at LeNTURK.'

Manners. Craigievar, a castle, possessed formerly by the Mortimers of

et limites eiusdem terre ecclesiastice asportasset ibidem paulisper defatigatus arborem de-
posuit qui cum eandem denuo vltra deferre conabatur tirannus ille cum singulis suis fami.
liaribus pre nimia grauitate vltra deferre nee potuerant atque ibidem relicta illius ecclesie
parrochialis clericus eandem se solo in prestinum locum asportauit quam tirannus ipse cum
omnibus suis mouere nequiuerant • "

" S. Marnan, who lived about the middle of the seventh century, is reported to have
been a person of extraordinary sanctity, and of an apostolical spirit, travelling indefati-
gably, and making conversions everywhere. He dyed very old, and was buried at Aberchir-
dir, (in the bishoprick of Murray,) where the tradition is that he usually resided. In the
parish of Aberchirder ther is a stone, (called S. Marnan' s,) hollowed out a little in the
middle, and lying on a hill, where it is believed this Saint commonly rested. His feast is on
the first of March, according to King's Calendar, which places him in the year 655. Ca-
merarius nearly agrees with King [ : ' Marnanum vero post varies in Scoticana ecclesia sus-
ceptos labores coelo dedit Annandia Scotiae prouincia, anno Eugenij Regis 14. qui erat Christ!
annus 620. Habebat Morauia Sancti Marnani caput, quod summa cum pompa et honore
(comitante praesertim Innesioram tribu nobili et perantiqua, quae tenerrimo in Marnanum
ferebatur affectu) ad aeris serenitatem a Deo postulandam circumferri solebat. Extat ec-
clesia Aberkerdoure Duuerno amne irrigata Marnani nomine, peregrinantium ad sacras ibi-
dem Marnani reliquias Celebris.' (De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, pp. 108, 109.)] The collect
used for his festival in Aberdene diocese was this : ' Deus qui es vita in te credencium
famulos tuos tibi suppliciter deprecantes exaudi dum beati Marnani confessoris tui atque pon-
tificis solennia agimus in tui nominis amore valeamus feruenter accendi • Per Dominum ■ ' "
(Account of Scotish Bishops, MS. [written about 1730] in the library at Slaines.) See also
as to Saint Marnan, or Marnoc, T. Dempsteri Hist. Ecclesiast. Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., p.
454 ; Butler's Lives of the Saints, vol. i., p. 290 ; Registrum Episcopatus Moraviensis,
pp. 247 — 249, and pref., p. xxx.

" The old church of Leochel was dedicated to St. Marnan. ' Marnoch fair,' at the kirk-
town of Leochel, was long held on the first Tuesday of March." (The New Statistical
Account of Scotland, number xlii., p. 1127. Edinb. 1843.)]

I [" There is now no trace of the chapel at Lenturk ; but there is a spot still known as
I The Chapel Croft,' a little way south east from the site of the castle. A small bit of
ground, on the farm of Corbanchory, still untouched by the plough, and called ' The Chapel
Yard,' was no doubt attached to another place of worship. The ruins of a third, named
' Terry Chapel,' on the farm of Newton of Corse, are still distinguishable." (The New
Statistical Account of Scotland, number xlii., p. 1122.) " In this parish are nine large
tumuli or cairns : some of them are fringed round with large stones, and have the remains
of Druidical temples hard by them. Some of these temples are composed of two and
three circles of erect stones." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. vi., p. 221. Edinb.

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— LEOCHEL. 599

Craigievar, (chiefs of this name here, after the old Mortimei-s of
Aberdaur were extinct,) who began, but were not able to finish it ;
but it was purchased by Mr. William Forbes, (brother to Bishop
Patrick Forbes of Aberdeen,) who, though a younger brother, yet, by
his diligent merchantdizing in Denmark and other parts, became
extraordinary rich. He completed this castle, and plaistered it
very curiously. '

Nota bene. These Mortimers had married one of the two hier-
esses of Aberdaur, (as Lord Gray had married the other,) and had
for arms : argent, a lyon rampant, sable, gaittee d'or. Alan Morti-
mer got Aberdaur by marrying Vipont, the hieress, six

hundred years ago, viz., A.D. M.c.xxvi.*

FowLis, belonging to Forbes of Craigievar.^

Lenturk, an old ruinous castle, formerly the seat of Irvin, the
eldest cadet of Drum.

1793.) " Several of the subterraneous abodes called Plots Houses are found on the farm of
Cairncoullie. They are about five feet high and eight feet wide, and roofed with large
flat stones." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xlii., p. 1122.)]

' [" The Mortimers are said to have begun the castle of Craigievar early in the seven-
teenth century ; but the embarrassed state of their affairs prevented them from completing
it. William Forbes, who purchased the estate from them in 1610, carried it on, and finished
it in 1626. It is still perfect, and affords one of the very finest specimens of the Flemish
style of castellated architecture." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number
xlii., p. 1 123.) On a panel over the great staircase is a small scutcheon, bearing the arms of
the family, with the date 1668, and the initials ' J. F.,' encircled by this legend : ' doe ■

NOT • VAIKEN • SLEIPING • DOGS • ']

* Nisbet's Heraldry.

2 [" The property of Wester Fowlis, including Easter- Leochel and Craigmill, belonged
about the middle of the sixteenth century to the Earl of Huntly ; who, in 1554, sold it to
George Gordon of Beldornie : his son Alexander, in 1607, sold it to Abraham Forbes of
Blacktoun : his grandson Walter, in 1659, sold it to John Robertson of Clunie ; and he, in
1675, sold it to Sir John Forbes of Craigievar, to which property it is still attached. It
held of the Priory of Monymusk. John Robertson of Wester Fowlis presented two silver
communion cups to the church, bearing the inscription, ' dedicat foe the chvrch or
LEOCHEL • 1659 . ' " (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xlii., pp. 1 ) 10,
1111.)]

' [" The castle of Lenturk, now in ruins, appears to have been built early in the six-
teenth century. It has a deep broad foss around it." (Statistical Account of Scotland,
vol. vi., p. 220.) " The ruins have now disappeared, and a farm house occupies their site ;

600 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Corse,' of old Cotharis, (though annexed to Leochel,) is pro-
perly in the parish of Cowl. This castle is possessed by the For-
beses of Craigievar, whose pedigree is reckoned thus :

I. Sir Patrick Forbes, third son to [James second] Lord For-
bes, got, by King James III.'s charter, (whose armour bearer he
was,) the barony of O'Neal, that is Cowl, Kincraigie, and Corse.
His son was

II. David Forbes of Corse ; who, by Elisabeth, (daughter to Mr.
Patrick Panter of Newmanswalls, secretary [to the King], near
Montrose,) had

III. Patrick ; who, by Marjory, daughter to Robert Lumsden of
Maidlar, had

but still a considerable portion of the circular fosse is distinctly visible." (The New Sta-
tistical Account of Scotland, number xlii., p. 1 122.) Alexander Irving of Lenturk, who
died about the year 1641, wrote a treatise, " De Jure Regni," published at Leyden in 1627,
and reprinted at Helmstadt in 1671. See Maidment's Catalogues of Scots Writers, p. 91 ;
Gordon's Description of both Touns of Aberdeen, p. 7 ; Dr. Irving's Lives of the Scotish
Poets, vol. i., p. 118.]

I [" The castle of Corse, now in ruins, was built in 1581, by William Forbes, father of
Patrick Forbes, Bishop of Aberdeen. Tradition bears, and the common people still believe,
that the devil visited the Bishop in this castle ; that they differed, and that the devil, on
his departure, carried away with him the broadside of the castle, on the stone stairs where-
of they still pretend to point out his footsteps." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. vi.,
p. 220.) " The date of the castle of Corse is pointed out by the inscription on the lintel
over the door : « W . F . 1581 • E . S • ' The initials are those of William Forbes,
father of the Bishop, and of his wife, Elizabeth Strachan. It is traditionally reported, that
his former dwelling having been plundered in his absence by some Highland freebooters, he
vowed, ' If God spare my life, I shall build a house, at which thieves will need to knock ere
they enter.'" (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xlii., pp. 1122, 1123.)

The lives both of the pious Patrick Forbes of Corse, Bishop of Aberdeen, (born 1564,
died 1635,) and of his son, the pious and le;irned Dr. John Forbes of Corse (born 1593, died
1648,) have been often written. The reader may be referred to Funerals of a right rever-
end father in God Patrick Forbes of Corse, Bishop of Aberdene. Aberdene, 1635; to the
memoir by Dr. George Garden, prefixed to the collected edition of the works of Dr. John
Forbes, published by the Westeins, at Amsterdam, in 1703, in two volumes folio ; to
Bishop Burnet's preface to his Life of Bishop Bedell ; to Dr. Irving's Lives of Scotish
Writers, vol. ii., pp. 43 — 54 ; to Gordon's History of Scots Affairs, vol. iii., pp. 232 —
235; and to The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xlii., pp. 1113 — 1119.
The body of Dr. John Forbes was buried in the churchyard of Leochel, but no monument
marks the spot.]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— LEOCHEL. 601

IV. William ; who, by Elisabeth Strachan, daughter to

Strachan of Thornton, had, (besides the eldest son Patrick, Bishop
of Aberdeen ; or Arthur, a baronet in Ireland, quhose son was
created Earl of Granard there, etc.,)

V. WiUiam;' who purchased Craigievar and Fintray, and by
Margaret Edward, (daughter to the provost of Edinburgh,) had

VI. Sir William ; who, by Bethia Murray, (daughter to

of Blackbarony,) had

VII. Sir John ; who, by Margaret Young, (daughter to

of Seaton, now of Auldbar,) had

VIII. Sir William ; who, by Margarat Rose, (daughter to

Rose of Kilravock,) had

IX. Sir Arthur, now of Craigievar, a minor, and his brother,
Alexander; which Alexander was born at Lamington, A.D.
M.DCC. . . . , and is a child of an ardent spirit, and of so strong and
beautiful a genius, that, in the twelfth year of his age, he has write
poems which are read by all with admiration.-

' [" William Forbes, second son of William Forbes of Corse, was educated in Edin-
burgh, and acquired a large fortune by commerce : he had charters of the lands of Menie
in Aberdeenshire, in 1607; of Craigievar, (which he purchased from John IMortimer, fiar of
Craigievar,) in 1610; of the barony of Auchtertoul in Fife, in 1617; of the barony of
Finhaven and Careston in Forfar, in 1619 ; and of the lands of Fintray in Aberdeenshire
in the same year." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xlii., p. 1109.)
His death was commemorated in the following epitaph by Dr. Arthur Johnstone :

" In obitum Gulielmi Forbesii Cragivarii.

" Nobilis hie tumulum Forbesi conspicis ; audi
Qui fuerint mores, ingeniumque viri.
Quod labor est aliis, vitae dum carperet auras,

Divitias illi quaerere ludus erat.
Cumque juberetur terris excedere, ridens,

Terra vale, caelo nunc potiemur, ait.

Quas possedit opes, et terraejugera, nemo

Miretur: dominum plus fuit esse sui."

(Artvri lonstoni Poemata Omnia, p. 380.)J
2 [This young gentleman appears to have been not the only one of his family who

602 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[Carta Gilcristi comitis de Marr Keledeis de Munimusc de ecclesia de

Loychel • ' Cante a.d. 1207.)
[ • G ■ comes] de Marre omnibus probis hominibus [tam clericis] quam laicis
salutem • Nouerit [vniuersitas uestranos dedisjse ■ concessisse • ethac [carta
nostra confirmasse •] Deo [et ecclesie] Sancte Marie de Munimusc • et Kele-
deis ibidem seruientibus [et seruituris] • ecclesiam de Loychel cum omnibus
decimis • libertatibus ■ ob[lacioni]bus • ouencionibus • et cum ilia dimidia
dauacha terre tota in qua sita est ecclesia • libera ab omni exaccione et
seruicio secular! sicut sunt decime • et cetere oblaciones altaris • in pascuis
in pratis • nemoribus et aquis molendinis • et omnibus suis rectis diuisis
et terminis • et communi pastura ■ In liberam et puram • quietam et per-
petuam elemosinam a me et heredibus meis et successoribus meis ■ pro
salute et prosperitate domini mei Willelmi Regis et filii et carorum eius •
et pro meipso et omnibus progenitoribus et heredibus et successoribus meis
huic donacioni mee fauentibus • Quare volo et precipio vt prefati Keledei
predictam ecclesiam [etc.'] ita libere [etcl teneant et possideant sicut aliqui
canonici • uel monachi • uel quicunque alii uiri religiosi in toto regno Scocie
aliquam ecclesiam uel elemosinam per donacionem baronis uel comitis libe-
rius • quiecius • plenius • et honorificencius • tenent et possident • Tes-
tibus •

cultivated the art of writing verses. The following lines are preserved in a manuscript,
written about the year 1670, now in the library at Skene House :

" Lynes made by Cragievar for encuraging of a nobleman to seik to possess a
floting Eand
" When the Boar in ane bairg Shall get them thenc to the hells

The bones of Zoroaster sage With ther charms and ther spells

From Irland shall cary ; No magik shall mend.

Then the medow shall be mawen Then shall the Boar and his brood

Of the Island wnknawen Possess many a lig and rood

And flie shall the Fairy. Flowing with mirh

Both Morgan la Phee And doe homag wnto none

Medea and Circe But the Lyon allon

And Gorgon wnkend His leig lord and sir.

" Extracted out of The Black Book of Pcslic."]
I [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, pp. 373, 374. The grant was con-
firmed by Pope Innocent III., between the years 1198 and 1216. See above, pp. 173, 174.
The same church was confirmed to the same religious by Pope Innocent IV., in the year
1245. See above, pp. 177, 178.]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— LEOCHEL. 603

Carta Johannis Aberdonensis ecclesie ministri canonicis de Munimusc de
ecclesia de Loychel • ' (1199—1207.)

Omnibus sancte matris ecclesie filiis etc. ■ Johannes Dei gracia Aberdon-
ensis ecclesie minister humUis • Salutem et scinceram in Domino caritatem ■
Nouerit vniuersitas uestra nos ad presentacionem et peticionem Gilcristi
comitis de Marre • dedisse • et concessisse et hac carta nostra Episcopali
auctoritate confirmasse • Deo ■ et ecclesie Beate Marie de Munimusc • et
canonicis qui Keledei dicuntur ibidem Deo seruientibus et seruituris • ec-
clesiam de Loychel ■ cum decimis et ouencionibus • et cum dimidia dauacha
terre • et cum omnibus aliis rectitudinibus ad eandem ecclesiam pertinenti-
bus ■ in liberam puram et perpetuam elemosinam ■ Quare volumus ut pre-
t'ati canonici prefatam ecclesiam [etc.~\ ita libere [e<c.] teneant et possideant ■
sicut aliqui uiri religiosi in toto regno Scocie aliquam ecclesiam [etc.'] tenent
et possident • Saluis Episcopalibus • Testibus ■

Carta Duncani comitis de Mar de ecclesia de Loychel • ^ (1214 — 1234.)

Duncanus Comes de Marre vniuersis hoc scriptum visuris uel audituris ■
Eternam in Domino salutem ■ Vniuersitati vestre notum facio me dedisse
et concessisse et hac carta mea confirmasse Deo et Sancte Marie de Muni-
musc • €t Keledeis sine canonicis ibidem seruientibus et inperpetuum ser-
uituris • Ecclesiam de Loychel • cum omnibus decimis • libertatibus • obla-
cionibus • ouencionibus • et cum tota ilia dimidia dauach in qua sita est ec-
clesia [efc.] in liberam [etc.'] elemosinam a me et omnibus heredibus meis •
pro anima domini mei Willelmi Regis • et antecessorum suorum • et pro
anima patris mei ■ M Morgrund • et matris mee Agnetis • et omnium
antecessorum meorum • et pro salute et prosperitate domini mei Regis Alex-
andri • et omnium suorum ■ et salute et prosperitate mea et vxoris mee •
et omnium heredum meorum • Quare volo [etc.] Testibus etc ■

Littere Willelmi comitis de Marre • ^ (1247—1257.)

Reuerendo patri suo in Xpo • Petro Dei gracia episcopo Aberdonensi ■
Willelmus comes de Marre • Salutem et filialem subieccionem • Paternitati
vestre notificamus quod sigillum inpositum scripto quod cum litteris istis

' [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, p. 374. See also above, p. 173.]
2 [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, p. 362.]

604 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

in quodam buxo sigillo nostro signato vobis transrnittimus sigillum patris
nostri fuisse intelligimus ■ In cuius rei testimonium has litteras nostras
patentes vobis transrnittimus •

Littera Regis Alexandri de ecclesia de Loychel ■ ' (1214 — 1249.)

Alexander ■ Dei gracia Rex Scocie ■ omnibus [etc.'] Salutera • sciant pre-
sentes et futuri quod cum pax formata esset in presencia nostra et coram
copia proborum virorum in plena curia inter Duncane filium Morgrun
comitem de Marre ex vna parte • et Dauid ■ filium comitis ex altera • super
quibusdam terris vnde diu inter eos habita fuit controuersia / vterque
illorum ad peticionera nostram et proborum hominum nostrorum qui ibi
presentes fuerunt ■ contulit ecclesiam de Loychel cum pertinenciis suis
Deo et ecclesie Sanc^e Marie de Munimusc et canonicis ibidem Deo ser-
uientibus • Et uterque illorum in manu nostra resignault totum jus quod
in predicta ecclesia habuit uel habere potuit ad opus dictorum canoni-
corura • Et ne ueritas huius rei latere possit / Nos in testimonium huius
facti litteras nostras patentes inde fieri fecimus • Testibus etc ■

Carta Colini Hostiari de terra in qua sita est ecclesia de Loychel • ' {circa
A.D. 1240.)

Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Colinus Hostiarius dedi et concessi et
hac carta mea confirmaui Deo et ecclesie Beate Marie de Munimusc et
canonicis ibidem Deo seruientibus et inperpetuum seruituris totam dimidiam
dauach terre in qua sita est ecclesia de Loychel per omnes suas rectas
diuisas ■ letcj cum communi pastura ■ xl • vaccarum et centum ouium cum
sequela de duobus annis et quatuor equorum • liberam et quietam ■ {etc.']
absolutam ab omni auxilio • et exaccione • et seruicio seculari • et con-
suetudine • in liberam ■ et quietam • puram • et perpetuam elemosinam pro
salute et prosperitate tam corporis quam anirae mee • et Ade vxoris mee ■
et omnium heredum meorum • et pro animabus omnium parentum meorum
et omnium Xpianorum • Quare volo ut predicti canonici prenorainatam
terram • [etc.'] ita libere [etc.'] teneant et possideant sicut liberius [etc.]
aliqui clerici uel religiosi aliquam terram uel elemosinam ex dono alicuius
militis uel wauasoris tenent et possident in toto regno Scocie [etc.'] •
Testibus etc •

' [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, p. 363.]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— LEOCHEL. 605

Carta Philippi de Monte Fichette et Anne uxoris sue de toto jure et
clameo in terra qua sita est ecclesia de Loychel • ' (forte circa a.d.
1250.)
Omnibus Xpi fidelibus presens scriptum uisuris uel audituris Philippus de
Monte Fichette et Anna vxor filia et heres domini Colini Hostiarii defuncti
salutem eternam in Domino • Nouerit vniuersitas vestra nos diuine caritatis
intuitu et pro salute animarum nostrarum et liberorum nostrorum necnon et
antecessorum et successorum nostrorum dedisse [e<c.] et quietuni pro nobis
et heredibus nostris inperpetuum clammasse Deo et Sancte Marie de Muni-
musc et canonicis ibidem Deo seruientibus et inperpetuum seruituris ■
Totura jus et clameum quod habemus habuimus uel habere poterimus in
quadam dimidia dauch terre in qua sita est ecclesia de Loychel per omnes
rectas diuisas suas [e<c.] cum communi pastura ■ xl • vaccarum et cen-
tum ouium • cum sequela de duobus annis et • iiij • equorum • \etcl\ ■ In
cuius rei testimonium present! scripto sigilla nostra apposuimus • Datum
apud Loychel • etc. ■

Carta pro Dauid Berclay • ^ (a.d. 1407.)

Robertus dux Albanie comes de Fyfe et de Mentethe ■ ac regni Scocie
gubernator / omnibus \etcl\ salutem • Sciatis nos approbasse [eic] dona-
cionem et concessionem illas ■ quas dilectus noster Alexander de Strathe-
chine de Ledynturk • fecit et concessit / dilecto nostro Dauid Berclay de
Dwrna de toto illo annuo redditu quinque marcarum annuatim exeunte de
terris de Petgerwy sibi hereditarie contingente • jacente infra vicecomita-
tum de Kincardyne • [e<c.] In cuius rei [e^c] apud Perthe / vicesimo die
mensis Octobris • anno Dominj • millesimo cccc™° • Septimo • et guberna-
cionis nostre anno Secundo • •

' [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, p. 364.]

2 [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 245. See also p. 142. As to the family of
Strachan of Lenturk, see Bp. Leslie's History of Scotland, pp. 136, 185 — 186. Edinb.
1830; Leslaeus de Rebus Gestis Scotorum, pp. 423, 446; G. Buchanani Rer. Scot. Hist.,
lib. xiv., c. liii., p. 416. edit. J. Man. Aberd. 1762; Pitcairn's Criminal Trials of Scot-
land, vol. i., pp. 173, '183 — *I87, *199, '200, *246, and the authorities there cited; Ana.
lecta Scotica, vol. i., p. 281 ; Acta Dominorum Concilii, p. 289 ; The New Statistical
Account of Scotland, number xlii., pp. 1111, 1112.]

606 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Chartour off Edmownd Mortymer • ' (a.d. 1457)

Jacobus Dei gracia Rex Scotorum / Omnibus [e<c.] Sciatis nos dedisse \_etc.']
dilecto nostro Edmundo Mortiraare terras de Cragyuer / Ballindene /
Innynteire / et Westir Lochale / cum pertinenciis • jacentes in comitatu
nostro de Marr infra vicecomitatum nostrum de Abirdene • Quequidem
terre [etc.'] fuerunt dicti Edmundi hereditarie et quas idem Edmundus [etc.'\
sua mera et spontanea voluntate in manus nostras [e<c.] simpliciter resig-
nauit [etc.'] Tenendas \_etc.'] predicto Edmundo et heredibus suis de nobis
heredibus et successoribus nostris in feodo [e<c.] In cuius rei testimonium
presenti carte nostre magnum sigillum nostrum apponi precepimus • Testi-
bus reuerendo in Christo patre Georgeo episcopo Brechinensi cancellario
nostro / dilectis consanguineis Patricio domino Glammis • Jacobo domino
Forbes / magistris Jacobo Stewart decano Morauiensi thesaurario nostro /
Thoma Waus decano Glasguensi secretario nostro et Niniano de Spot
canonico Dunkeldensi nostrorum computorum rotulatore / Apud Abirdene

' [From the original in the charter chest at Fintray House.

12 Nov. 1457. Prouidus vir • Hewmundus Mortiraare dominus de Cragyver Ballyndeyny
Innynter et Westyr Lochale cum pertinenciis personaliter accessit ad presenciam reuerendi
in Xpo patris ac domini Georgii diuina miseracione episcopi Brechinensis ac cancellarii Sco-
cie • atque genibus flexis sua spontanea voluntate omnes et singulas terras suas predictas ja-
centes in comitatu de Mare et vicecoraitatu de Abirdene • in manibus dicti reuerendi patris
tanquam cancellarii Scocie rcsignauit • Quaquidem resignacione sic facta . prefatus reueren-
dus pater tanquam cancellarius Scocie auctoritate suppremi domini nostri Regis • fungens •
omnes prenominatas terras prefato Heumundo Mortymare et heredibus suis quibuscunque •
secundum formam carte Regis eidem Hewmundo exinde conficiende • hereditarie tradidit •
Acta erant hec in camera prefati reuerendi in Xpo patris in hospicio Johannis FytF in Abir-
dene ■ presentibus [etc.] Willelmo Theyne de Caldor / domino Alexandre Yong canonico
Abirdonensi et Alexandre Forbas domino de Petslegocht . (Original in the charter chest at
Fintray House.) " In 1503, Alexander Mortimer resigned the lands of ' Craigievar, Bal-
lindene, Innynteire, and Westir Lochale,' in his own favour, into the hands of King James
IV, ; in 1600, Alexander Mortimer, eldest son of James Mortimer, fiarof Craigievar, had a
charter of confirmation from King James VI., ' de totis et integris terris et baronia de
Cragyvar cum terris dominicalibus ejusdem cum turre fortilicio et manerie ejusdem ac totis
et integris terris de Scheilfeild Banden Knokandath et Westir Lochell cum molendinis gran-
orum et fullonum ac totis et integris terris de Ininteir cum molendino earundem jacentibus
in parochia de Lochell infra vicecomitatum de Aberdene.' " (The New Statistical Account
of Scotland, number xlii., p. 1 109 ; Regist. Mag. Sig., lib. xlii., MS.)]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— LEOCHEL. 607

duodecimo die mensis Nouembris anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo
quinquagesimo septimo • et regni nostri vicesimo primo •

Carta Patricii Forbes baronie de Oneil Corse • ' (a.d. 1482.)

Jacobus Dei gracia Rex Scotorum • Omnibus [eic] Sciatis nos dedisse
[etc.'] dilecto iamiliari armigero nostro Patricio Forbes pro suo fideli serui-
cio nobis impenso et impendendo / omnes et singulas terras nostras baronie
de Oneil / videlicet / terras de Coule / Kincragy / et le Corss • cum per-
tinenciis jacentes infi-a vicecomitatum nostrum de Abirdene • Tenendas
[etc.'] dicto Patricio et heredibus suis de nobis heredibus et successoribus
nostris in feodifirma et hereditate imperpetuum [etc.] Reddendo inde an-
nuatim [etc.] nobis [etc.] ■ xxj • libras usualis monete regni nostri et tres
martas vel pro qualibet marta quindecim solidos eiusdem monete [etc.] ac
eciam Episcopo Abirdonensi et suis successoribus pro secundis decimis eis
debitis pro dictis terris quadraginta sex solidos et octo denarios annuatim ut

' [From the original in the charter chest at Fintray House. " Jacobus tertius Scotoruui
Rex, per diploma Regium dedit ac ad teudifirmam dimisit, (ut se habent verba diploraatis,)
dilecto farailiari armigero suo, Patricio Forbes, fratri germano consanguinei sui Gulielmi
Domini Forbes, pro suo fideli servitio illi impenso, omnes et singulas terras baroniae de
Oneil, videlicet terras de Coule, Kincraigy et Corse, cum tenentibus etc. dicto Patricio et
heredibus suis de Rege et successoribus ejus in feodifirmam et hereditatem perpetuam tenen-
das etc. Datumque est diploma apud Edinburgum xvii. die mensis Decembris, anno Domini
millesimo quadringentesimo septuagesimo sexto, ejusque regni decimo septimo." (Rever-
endi viri Johan. Forbesii a Corse Vita, pag. 1, ap. ejusdem J. Forbesii Opera Omnia, Amstel.
1703. fol.) " Patrick Forbes, third son of James, second Lord Forbes, had, in 1482, a
charter, under the great seal, of the ' barony of Oneil, viz. the lands of Coule, Kincragy,
and le Corss.' In 1510, his son and successor, David Forbes, had a charter of the lands of
Onele-cross, Kincragy, le Mureton, with the mill and alehouse thereof, (the lands of Coule
being now disjoined therefrom,) and uniting and incorporating them into a haill and free
barony, to be called the barony of Onele in all time coming. David was succeeded by his son
Patrick, infeft in 1554 ; Patrick, by his son William, infeft m 1568, who acquired in 1593
the lands of Wester Corse and Norham, which, in 1512, belonged to Pantoun of Pitmedden,
in 1531 to Fraserof Staniwood, and in 1540, to Urry of Pitfichie ; William, by his son
Patrick, Bishop of Aberdeen, who died in 1635; Patrick, by his son John, professor of
divinity in King's College, Aberdeen, who died in 1648 ; and John, by his son George,
who having, in 1656, sold that part of the barony lying in Lumphanan, consisting of Easter
and Wester Kincraigie and pendicles, to Duguid of Auehinhive, sold the remainder, in 1670,
to Sir John Forbes, baronet, of Craigievar, to which property it is still united." (The
New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xlii., pp. 1108, 1109.)]

608 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

in nostro rental! et rotulis compotorum ad plenum continetur [eic] In cuius
rei testimonium presenti carte nostra magnum sigillum nostrum apponi pre-
cepimus • Testibus carissimo fratre nostro Alexandro duce Albania comita
Merchie de Mar et Garviauch domino Vallis Annandie et Mannia ac orien-
talium et occidantalium merchiarum magno gardiano regni nostri adrai-
rallo • reuerendis in Christo patribus Johanne Episcopo Qiasguensi can-
cellario nostro / Jacobo Episcopo Dunkeldensi • dilectis avunculis nostris
Johanne comite Atholie domino de Balvany / Jacobo comite Buchanie
domino de Ouchtirhous magno camerario nostro • dilectis consanguineis
nostris David comite de Craufurd domino Lindesay magistro hospicii nos-
tri / Johanne domino Kennedy / Willelmo domino Borthwik [etc.^ Apud
Edinburghe decimo die mensis Octobris anno Domini millesimo quadrin-
gentesimo octuagesimo secundo Et regni nostri vicesimo tercio • ]

FORBES' AND KEIRN.

HE last Roman Catholick priest I find at Forbes,
is Mr. Arthur^ second son to John fifth Lord
Forbes, by Christian daughter to Sir John Lundie
I of That Ilk *

3,\i Keirn^ was originally but a chappel, built by
the Lord Forbes, and the word signifies T/if
Lord's Chappel. It stood within the garden of
Castle Forbes.

' [" The church stands on the bank of the river Don. There is no seat, nor any river
but Don. The hills of note are Calyivaar on the south ; and Lord Arthur's Cairn in
Currm on the north, where some of the family of Forbes was slain by the Leslies. Here is
good pasture for sheep, and plenty of arn woods." (Description of the parish of Forbes,
[written about 1725] in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.)]

2 [" Jacobus Forbes rector eiusdem, " with other canons of the chapter of Aberdeen,
adhibits his signature to a lease of teinds in the parish of Tullynessil, granted on the
twenty-fourth of July, 1562, by " Master Villiame Kabell persone of Tullynessil" to " ane
honorabill man James Leslie burges of Abirdene," " in respek of his labouris takin for
me in this trubulus tyme for inbringing of my fruttis bygane." (Original at Whitehaugh.)]

• Lumsden's Manuscript [Genealogy of the Family of Forbes, p. 11. edit. 1819.]

3 [" Here is the Castle of Drimminnor, the seat of the family of Forbes, hard by the
church on the west side. The parish produces good grain in some places, and good game

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— FORBES AND KEIRN. 609

Castle Forbes, the seat of the Lord Forbes, the first lord in Manners
Scotland, and chief of the name : As to the original of wliich,
though Ariosto, hath, two liundred years ago, mustered the For-
beses among the Scotish nobility who came to assist Charlemaigu
against the Turks,

" Signoreggia Forbesse il forte Armano," *

whence one might be tempted to think that some of this name had
gone over with William, (King Achaius's brother,) among the four
thousand auxiliaries sent from Scotland to that Emperor ; yet, it
must be confessed, that even in the matter of poetry, Ariosto is so
licentious, that, in history, his testimony must be stark naught ;
and all that can be collected from his having mentioned this name
on that occasion, is, that, in his own time, it was very famous
abroad. (Some say that Cardinal Forboigne and Admiral Fur-
bisher were originally of this family.)

And, indeed, the first charter of this family is but about five
himdred years old, being a gift of the land of Forbes, (by King
Alexander II.,) to Fergus the son of John.

This family have been generally valiant and loyal, and was never
reproached till of late.

Upon King Alexander the Third's death, Alexander, chief of this
name, defended Urquhart Castle, in Murray, f against King Ed-
ward the First's army, till it was stormed, and he and the garrison
put to the sword. And here the very name would have perished
for ever, had not his wife, who escaped in disguise, when the castle
was stormed, soon after been delivered of a posthumous son. This

in the hill of Currin, which lyes to the south west about a mile. (Description of the
parish of Keirn, [written about 1725] in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.)]

* Orlando Furioso, canto x., [st. 87.]

t Hence the Urquharts, being derived of this stout gentleman, pretend the Forbeses
are derived of them, (though the Forbeses say the Urquharts are rather descended of
them) ; and, indeed, as the Urquharts bear bear-heads as the other, so, it seems, near Cro-
marty ther is a stone with the figure of a bear carved on it. See [Sir Thomas Urquhart's]
Genealogy of the Urquharts from Adam.

610 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

son was that brave Sir Alexander, who, adhering to King David
II., was slain with his whole clan at Duplin (A.D. M.ccc.xxxil.),
so that the family was here again distinguished by providence, and
preserved in a posthumous son. This son was Sir John with The
Black Lip, who, (in A.D. M.ccc.xciv.,) was made justiciary and
coroner of Aberdeenshire, and, by Elizabeth Kennedy, (of Dun-
nure's family,) had, besides the heir, these three sons :

I. Sir William, founder of Pitsligo (he had four bastards, who
all had issue till Lumsden's time, William Cam, William Beg,
Evil Duncan of Kemna_y, and Lachlan.)

II. Sir John, founder of Tolquhon, and

III. Alexander, called Alaster Cam, founder of Brux.

Sir Alexander,* (the elder brother of these three,) had, (by
Elizabeth Douglass, daughter to the Earl of Angus,) a son called
Sir John ; who was created Lord Forbes by King James III.
This Lord Forbes, by Egidia, daughter to William Earl Marishal,
had, besides his heir, a son, called Patric, founder of Corse.

As to this lord's heir, William, surnamed The Gray, he married
Christian, (daughter to Alexander first Earl of Huntly,) and had by
her, (besides the youngest, Duncan, founder of Corsinda,) three
sons, successively lords ; the eldest of whom, (though the line stands
perpetuated by John the youngest,) was that lord, Alexander, who
rose so heroically in arms to avenge the murder of King James
III. He had married that King's niece, Grekin Boyd.

From that time to this, (without reckoning that lord, Alexan-

• Lumsden's Manuscript here does not agree with Crawford : for he says this very Alex-
ander was made the first lord, and that his son was called Sir James, Lord Forbes. He adds
that he had a second son, Mr. John, provost of Saint Giles', Edinburgh, and two daughters,
lady Fyvie and lady Drum, who both left heirs. He had also, (by one Stewart,) a natural
son, Sir Richard Forbes, dean of Aberdeen, which Sir Richard had also two sons, one
called Taylor, and one called John Forbes.

The Master of Forbes who suffered under King James V. was John, (son to John, Lord
Forbes, by Christian, daughter to Sir John Lundie of That Hk,) who, leaving no issue by
his wife, (Elizabeth, daughter to Lord Glammis,) was succeeded by his younger brother,
William, afterward Lord Forbes.

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— TOWIE. 611

der.) ther have been nine lords of this family; and the present
lord, William,' is the tenth in descent from the first, ther having
been twelve lords of this title in all.

This name is very numerous, and had an emulation and feud
with the Gordons for some ages, which is now happily at an end.

The arms of the Lord Forbes, are : azure, three bears heads
couped, argent, muzzled gules, supported by two gray-hounds ar-
gent, collared gules : crest, a stag's head, attired, proper : motto,
" Grace me guide."

The reason why the family of Forbes carries three bears heads
in its arms, is, because the first of this family slew a very raven-
ous bear at Logie, in the parish of Auchindore, (near Castle For-
bes,) where, at this day, on a stone, the figure of that bear, though
rudely carved, is yet seen.

Ther is a tradition that this family is descended of one
Ochonacher, who came from Ireland to Scotland about the end of
the twelfth century ; and, it is said farther, that the Mackays are
descended of the same Ochonacher, as it is certain that they not
only carry much the same arms, but, also, that the Lord Rae, (the
head of the Mackays,) hath acknowledged the Lord Forbes for his
chief.

TOWIE.

(^S>i^^%^ ERE were three chappells : ^ Chappelis

at Belnaboth.

at Drumallachy.

'S at Nether-Towie.

TowiE Castle, built by the Forbeses of Brux, Manner.
_ _ now ruinous. Not it, as Crawford in his Queen

iiJkm^i&m^ Mary reports, but Corgarf castle, in Strathdon

' [William, thirteenth Lord Forbes, succeeded to the title in 1716, and died in 1730.]

2 [" The parish of Towy, or Kinbattoch, produces plenty of excellent grain, viz.hear and

oats, and in some places is well provided with pasture, but is greatly pinched for want of

612 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

parish, was burnt A.D. m.d.lxxi.,' (by one Captain Ker, sent by
Sir Adam Gordon of Auchindown, to take it for Queen Mary,) to-
gether with the lady thereof, and the whole family, (thirty-seven in
all,) except Alexander Forbes, the owner, who was absent. ^ The
lady, (in Lumsden's Manuscript,') is called Margaret, daughter to
Sir John Campbel of Calder, and wife to John Forbes of ToUeis,
son to Alexander Forbes of Tolleis, eldest sou to William Forbes
of Kildrummy, eldest son to Duncan Forbes of Drumallachy, second
son to Alexander Forbes first laird of Brux.

fewel. Gentlemen's seats are, the old castle of Towie, hard by the church ; and Culphich, a
mile west, on the same side of Don. There is an old chappell at Kinbattoch, half a mile
south from the church ; and another at The Ley, on the north side, a mile east from the
church. There are here many graves, and heaps of stones, in a hill called Glasceal, a mile
north-east from the church, on the north side of Don, the marks of skirmishes and engage-
ments, betwixt the garrison of Kildrummy and the English, in The Bruce's wars." (A De-
scription of the parish of Towy, or Kinbattoch, [written about 1725,] in Macfarlane's Geo-
graphical Collections, MS.)

" There are ruins of chapels at Nether Towie, Kinbattoch, Belnaboth, Ley, and Chapel
of Sinnahard. At Kinbattoch is a dottn, or artificial mound of earth, which appears to have
been surrounded with about ten feet of water. At Fechley is a mound upwards of sixty
feet high, [called The Peel of Fechley,] and surrounded by a fosse, partly natural and partly
artificial, measuring in breadth from twelve to forty-one feet, in depth from eight to thirty-
five feet. The breadth of the mound on the summit is one hundred and twenty-seven by
two hundred feet, on which are the remains of a tower. On the Glasschill or Grayhill are
large tumuli. In the churchyard is a large stone, six feet in length, sculptured with hiero-
glyphics." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 417. Edinb.
1840.)]

1 [Crawford's Memoirs of the Affairs of Scotland, p. 240., edit. 1706.]

2 [See as to " the burning of The House of Towie," G. Buchanani Rer. Scot. Hist.,
lib. XX., c. Ixiv., and notes, pp. 614, 613, edit. J. Man. ; Diurnal of Occurrents in Scot-
land, p. 255. Edinb. 1833 ; Abp. Spottiswoode's Hist, of Ch. of Scotland, p. 259; Pin-
kerton's Scotish Tragic Ballads, pp. 43— 49, 109—111. Lond. 1781. 8vo ; Percy's Re-
liques of Ancient English Poetry, vol. i., pp. 234 — 242, edit. Lond. 1823 ; Chambers'
Scottish Ballads, pj). 67 — 72. " The most conspicuous object of antiquity in this parish is
the ruin of the castle of Towie, of which a square tower is almost all that now remains.'"
(The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 417. Edinb. 1840.)]

3 [Genealogy of the Family of Forbes, pp. 43, 44, edit. 1819.]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— GLENBUCKET.

Gi;

GLENBUCKET.'

LENBUCKET, dedicated to Saint Peter, is so
named from Bucket, a rivulet, on both sides of
which the parish stands.

GLENBUCKET, (properly Inverbucket, because si- Mannor.
tuated where Bucket falls into Don,) the seat of
Gordon of Glenbucket, descended of those of Ro-
thimay, whose stock was Camburrow.

AUCHIND0RE.2

UCHINDORE hath for its tutelar, the Blessed
Virgin Mary.

Craig Castle, (on Auchindore brook,) so Mannors.

' [" This being a hilly glen countrey, the only commodities are
cattell, cheese, butter, wool, goat, sheep, venison, wildfowl, etc.
Gentlemen's seats here are, the old castle of Badenyean upon the
north side of Buchat, four miles north-west from the church ; and the
house of Glenbuchat, one mile east from the church, on the west side of Buchat, where it
runs into Don upon the north side." (A Description of the parish of Glenbucket, [written
about 1725] in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.)]

2 [" This parish produces good corn, and, in many places, excellent sheep. There is no
house of note here but Craig- Auchindore, which lyes about a quarter of a mile north-
west from the church, upon The Burn of Craig, a brook which takes its rise three miles north-
west on the south-east side of The Buck, and, meeting with Corchinnan on the north side
of the church, takes the name of Bogy. After this union. Bogie takes its course about five
miles north-east, watering this and Rhynie parioch, and taking in several small rivulets by
the way, till, at its entrance into Gartly parioch, it turns north, and passing by the east side
of Whitelums, and the west side of Coclerachie, it runs east by the town and castle of
Huntly ; about a mile north-east from which it enters Dovern, after a course of about five
miles more, still receiving lesser currents by the way. The Buck is a very high hill on the
west of this parioch, and Correen on the east. About three miles south-east from the church,
is the wood of Logie, nigh which are several old monuments in stone, one of which is the
effigies of a bear, said to have infested that country, efc. ; and not far from it is a well, called
The Nine Maidens' Well, where nine virgins were slain by him. He was at length killed
by one .Archencar of the family of Forbes. A quarter of a mile south from the church, is a
heap of stones, called The Harys Cairn, in sight of Kildrummy and Auchindore, where two

4 I

614 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Manners. named, because it stands on a rock, where ther is a quarry both
of free-stone and of lime-stone. '

Neavmiln of Auchindore, is the seat of the chief of the
Reids, who is named from this place.

brethren of the name of Innes, having a feud and plea at law, met in their way south and
north, and killed one another. The story at length is too tedious to insert. Here is a fine
free-stone quarry, where also good millstones are wrought. There is also limestone and
great plenty of moss in this ])arioch." (Description of the parish of Auchindore, [written
about 1725] in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.)

" There are several dates on the church of Auchindoir, one on the north gable as old a*
1357. In the north-east corner, there is a very complete crucifix, cut in stone, with the
letters: 'i • n • r ■ i .' over it. Below it is a niche in the wall, for the elements, with the
following inscription immediately over it : ' Hic . e ■ corp .d-n-i.c-v-m.'
On the lower edge of the niche, but now concealed by one of the seats, are these words ;
' HIC • EST . SERVATCM • coRPvs . EX • YiRGiNE . NATVM • ' There is a stonc vessel
at the entrance for the holy water." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xii., p. 499.
Edinb. 1794; The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 411. Edinb.
1840.)]

1 [" The House of Craig, still habitable, even in its more ancient portions, is ol' con-
siderable antiquity, and exhibits many of the characteristics of remote times. The oldest
date is 1518." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxviii., p. 411.)

" Ad Gordonium Cragachindorium.
" Siccine, Gordoni, Cabriis affixus ericis,

Vrbe procul, rupes inter, et antra, lates ?
Quid juvat ingenio genium vicisse Minervae,

Ingenii dotes si sinis usque premi ?
Quid juvat Aoniae fontes siccasse cohortis,

Si fruitur studiis Cabria sola tuis ?
Quid prodest, mores hominum vidisse, vel urbes.

Nulla tuam si res publica sentit opem ?
Hic ubi tu latitas, nil praeter lustra ferarum,

Et coeli volucres, saxaque surda vides.
Nullum hie, qui doctas haurire aut reddere voces,

Aut a te quidquam discere possit, habes.
Barbara gens tota est, et inhospita terra, pruinis

Semper, et aestivo sub Cane, mersa nive" etc.

(Artvri lonstoni Poemata Omnia, pp. 334, 335.)]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— THE CABRACH. 615

CABRACH, OR STRATHDOVERN.'

ABRACH church is dedicated to the Blessed
Virgin Mary.

This is reckoned the coldest parish in this dio-
cese : being wholly enclosed with hills, the soil
being very mossy, frosts here quite kill the corn,
but in warm years ther is a double increase.
Lessmurdie, the seat of Stewart of Lessmurdie.^ Mannors
SoccoTH and Balchirie, belonging to Gordon of Baldornie.

[Carta Willelmi comitis de • Douglas- ^ (a.d. 1374.)

Robertas etc • Omnibus etc • Sciatis nos dedisse etc ■ dilecto consan-

' ["The parioch of Cabrach is in the diocese of Aberdeen, and partly in that shire, namely,
the south side of Doveran ; and partly in Bamfshire, namely, the north side of Doveran.
The church lyes upon the river of Royster, twenty-eight miles north-west from Aberdeen.
Gentlemens seats here are, Lismurdie, four miles east. The Soccoch, five miles east from
the church, both on the north side of Doveran. The water Royster takes its rise eleven
miles west from the church, at the head of Old Doveran, in a hill called Craigensiore,
and, after running two miles east, takes in the brook of Lerkindie, (wliich arises from
Monk Medden, two miles south,) and other two small brooks which spring out of The Buck,
about a mile south likewise. Then, continuing its course by the church, it runs streight
north two miles, till it meet with The Black Water, another large river, which takes its rise
in a hill called The Klymach in Glenlivet, six miles west from the church ; and, after mixing
here with Royster, they take together the common name of Doveran, and run streight east
by Lismurdie and The Soccoch three miles, into the parioch of Glass. This parioch is like
one entire cluster of hills ; the chief of which are Craigensiore, four miles west ; Month-
medden, two miles south ; and the vast mountain called The Buck, one mile south, from the
church. There is a great wood in Old Doveran, and a forrest, where there is frequent
resort of deer, roes, heath-fowl, and other game ; which, with cattle, sheep, goats, butter,
cheese, and wool, are the commodities of the place. There is a highway south and north to
Elgine, and passes by the church, near which there is an inn for entertainment." (De-
scription of the parish of Cabrach, [written about 1725] in Macfarlane's Geographical Col-
lections, MS.)]

2 [" There are some remains of a chapel and burial ground on the north bank of the
Dovern, near Lesmurdie." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxviii.,
p. 197. Edinb. 1842.)]

3 [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 104. See also Robertson's Index to the
Charters, p. 139.]

616

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

ofuineo nostro • WiDelmo comiti de Douglas • Omnes et singulas terras
foreste de Cabrauche ac dimidiam dauatam terre de Auchmayre cum serui-
cio liberetenentis alterius medietatis dicte dauate que dicitur Clouethe •
cum pertinenciis infra vicecomitatum de Banffe que fuerunt Dauid Brovne
de Glendristona • et quas idem Dauid nobis sursum reddidit et resignauit •
Tenendas et habendas eidem Willehno heredibus suis et suis assignatis de
nobis et heredibus nostris ■ in feodo et hereditate ■ Faciendo inde seruieia
debita et consueta ■ • In cuius rei testimonium etc ■ Testibus etc ■ Apud
Edynburghe ■ nono die Januarij • anno regni nostri • Tercio • ]

STRATHDON, OR INVERNOCHTIE.i

HE country is called Strathdon, because it is a
long plain on either side of Don ; and the church
Invernochtie, because the brook Nochty here
falls into that river.

Chappcls at CORICHOWL.

Manners. CoRGARF Castle, belonging to the
Duke of Mar. It was burnt, A.D. m.d.lxxi.

> [" Gentlemens seats in this parioch are as foUowes : Allerg, eight miles west from the
church, upon the north side of the river Don ; Curgarf, seven miles west from the church,
upon the north side of Don (this is an old castle belonging to the Earles of Mar, but
nothing remarkable about it) ; Skellater, upon the north side of Don, and four miles west
from the church ; Edinglassie, upon the west side of Earnen, and Inver Earnen on the east
side, and both on the north side of Don, three miles west from the church ; Ceandacraig,
one mile west from the church, on the north side ; Glencarvie, opposite to it, and at the like
distance from the church, on the south side of Don, and west side of Carvie. Opposite to the
church, on the north side of Don, and at the mouth of the river Nouchtie, is Invernochtie.
Two miles north.north-west from the church, upon the west side of Nettie, and south side
of Noughtie, is Invernettie. A short mile north-west from the church, is Belnaboddach on
the south side, and Ledmackay on the north side of the river Nochtie. .\bout a quarter of
a mile north-east from the church, and on the north side of Don, are Bellabeg and Cul.
quhannie, and opposite to them, on the south side, Culquharrie. Two miles north-east from
the church, is New, on the north side, and Deskrie, on the south side, of Don, upon the
east side of a rivulet of the same name. Three miles north-east from the church, on the
north side of Don, is Buchaam ; and four long miles east-north-east from the church, upon
the north side of Don, and west side of Kindle, lyes the house of Glenkindie, which is
separated from the rest of the parioch by Glenbuchat. This parioch abounds with hills.
The most remarkable are, The Leight, seven miles north from Curgarf ; The Lonnach, five

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— STRATHDON. 617

Nyew, the seat of Forbes of Nyew, descended of Sir Alexander Manners
Forbes, third laird of Pitsligo ; whose second son, William Forbes

of Daach, had, (by Forbes, daughter to The White Laird

of Brux,) Alexander Forbes of Nyew ; who, by Euphemia, daugh-
ter to Robert Lumsden of Maidlar, had, (besides Patrick of Pitt-
miles west from the church ; The Ladder, six miles north-west ; Rindstock, three miles
west ; and Ben New, three miles north-east, overlooking The New and Buchaam. On the
top of it is a fomitain, in the hollow of a rock, without any visible current from it,
renouned among the vulgar for marvelous cures : there is said to be a worm still abiding in
it, which, if alive when the patient comes, he or she will live ; if dead, they are condemned
to die. The highway betwixt Perth and Inverness passes through the head of this parioch
by AUerg. There is a new stone bridge of one arch over Don, at a place called The Pot of
Pool d'Oylie, a little west from the church, built a.d. 1715. The marches of the Dukes
of Gordon, Athol, and Mar all meet in the head of the Muir Evandich, at a place called
Inchraurie, where each may stand upon his own bounds and converse with his neighbour in
theirs. The commodities of this country are cattle, sheep, goats, venison, etc., and game in
great abundance, and, of late years, good store of corns. There is also plenty of moss
here." (Description of the parish of Invernauchty or Strathdon, [written about 1725] in
Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.)

" A short way above the confluence of the Nochty and the Don, is [The Doun of
Invernochtie] a very remarkable abruptly conical mound, about sixty feet in height from
the bottom of the ditch ; nine hundred and seventy feet in circumference at the base; and
five hundred and sixty-two feet at the top. It is of an oval form, and the flat surface on
the top measures about half an acre. It has been regularly fortified by a moat sixteen feet
deep, and twenty-six feet wide at the bottom, which has been supplied with water by the
stream Bardock. All around the top, the foundations of buildings are visible. A small
portion of wall on each side of the gateway to the south is still seen." (The New Statis-
tical Account of Scotland, number xxxix., p. 544. Edinb. 1842.) " In its neighbourhood
are to be seen some inconsiderable ruins of houses close by one another : at the same place,
and also in another part of the parish, are what the country people call eird houses. These
are below ground, and some of them are said to extend a great way. Their sides are faced
up with dry stones, to the height of about three feet ; they are between three and four feet
wide; and are covered above with large stones laid across." (Statistical Account of Scot-
land, vol. xiii., p. 182.) See also The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xxxix.,
pp. 545, 546.

On the fifteenth of December, 1494, there was an " actione and causs persevvit be Dun-
cane Forbes aganis George Gordone in Cusny Schyr William Coutis Johnne Duncanesonne
Thomas MacGillandris and Johnne Grvmansonne (for the wrangwis occupatione and manur-
ing and withhalding fra him of the tak and maling of the landis of Inuernochty and Ballebeg
with thar pertinentis Hand in the eriedoume of Mar" etc. (Acta Dominorum Auditorum,
p. 203.)]

618 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

allachy,) William Forbes of Nyew ; who, by Margaret, daughter
to John Gordon of Botarie, had issue *

[Carta Ade de Strathauchin ■ ' (circa a.v. 1357.)

Omnibus banc cartam visuris vel audituris • Thomas Comes de Marr •
eternam in Domino salutem • Nouerit uniuersitas vestra nos dedisse [etc.']
dilectis nostris Ade de Strachauen et Margarete sponse sue consanguinee
nostra pro homagio et seruicio predicti Ade et beredum suorum de corpore
predicte Margarete procreatorum sen procreandorum impendendis nobis et
heredibus nostris ■ unam dauatam terre que vocatur Glenkenety • et unum
quartum dauate terre de Glenboul / quod quidem quartum vocatur Rum-
raor / cum pertinenciis • infra comitatum nostrum de Marr jacentes •
Tenendas et habendas predictis Ade et sponse sue vel eorum alteri diucius
viuenti • et heredibus suis de corpore predicte Margarete legitime pro-
creatis sen procreandis [etc.'] de nobis [etc.'] in feodo et bereditate [etc.] Fa-
ciendo inde domino nostro Regi debitum seruicium quantum ad dictas
terras de jure pertinet [etc.] Et si contingat / quod absit / predictos Adam
et Marfaretam sponsam suam sine herede de corporibus suis legitime pro-
create et superstite in fata decedere • volumus quod dicte terre de Glen-
kenety et Rummor cum omnibus suis pertinenciis ut predictum est / ad
nos et heredes nostros integraliter reuertantur [etc.] In cuius rei testimo-
nium presenti carte nostre sigillum nostrum est appensum • Hiis testibus ■
dominis Hugone de Cambroun consanguineo nostro • Thoma Lipp • et
Waltero Moigne militibus • dominis Johanne de Bothevile canonico Mora-
uiensi / et Johanne de Cromdole canonico Rossensi / Johanne de Marr
rectore ecclesie de Inuernouchty / Johanne de Barclay domino de Ga-
rintuly consanguineo nostro • Willelmo de Melgdrum vicecomite de Abir-
dene / et Waltero Biset domino de Lessindrom • cum multis aliis • ]

• Lumsden's MS. Genealogy of [the Family of] Forbes [pp. 27, 28. edit. 1819.]
I [From a transcript in the Advocates' Library, made from the original by Mr. Thomas
Ruddiman in the year 1710.]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD—KEIG. 619

KEIG.>

EIG [hath for its tutelar Saint Diaconianus,
martyr, whose feast, says Camerarius,^ is on the
twenty third of September.]

PuTACHiE, belonging to the Lord Forbes. Manners.

Phinzeach, the seat of Wilson of Phin-
zeach.

TULLOCH.

[Carta Willelmi Sancti Andree Episcopi de ecclesia de Kege. ' (1202 —
1214.)

Omnibus [e<e.] Willelmus miseracione diuina ecclesie Sancti Andree
minister humilis • Eternam in Domino salutem • Ad vniuersitatis uestre
noticiam volumus peruenire nos de assensu et voluntate capituli Sancti
Andree dedisse [etc.'] Deo • et Sancte Marie • et canonicis de Munimusc
ibidem Deo seruientibus et seruituris • pro anima Regis Willelmi • et pro

' [" There are two Druidical circles in the parish. One of them, in a wood on the
Cothiemuir hill, within the grounds of Castle Forbes, seems originally to have consisted of
eleven upright stones, mostly about seven feet high, forming a circle of twenty-five yards in
diameter. The two towards the south are about nine and a half feet high, and fifteen feet
asunder, the space between them being occupied by a mass of stone upwards of five feet in
diameter, and thirteen and a half feet in length, lying on the west side of the circle. In
the middle of the circle is a quantity of loose stones ; and near the centre, is a slab of four or
five feet square, covering a small pit open on the south side. The other circle, which is
more imperfect, is about sixty-six feet in diameter : in the circumference of the circle there
are two upright stones, nine feet above ground, with a stone lying between them about six-
teen feet long, six feet high, and five feet broad at one end, of a quadrangular form, and
placed on the south side of the circle. On the top of a partly detached hill in the north-
west part of the parish, is a circular enclosure of loose stones, apparently the ruins of a
rude wall : it is called The Barmekin, and is about seventy or eighty yards in diameter,
with a heap of stones near its centre." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number
xlii., pp. 946, 947, 949. Edinb. 1843.)]

- [De Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. 177.]

3 [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, p. 366. The grant was confirmed
by Gilbert, Bishop of Aberdeen, from the year 1228 to the year 1239. (Id., p. 367,)
and by Pope Innocent IV., in the year 1243. (/rf„ «p. 372.) See above, pp. 177, 178.]

620 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

aniraabus antecessorum et successorura nostrorum • et pro salute anime
mee • ecclesiam de Kege • cum omnibus pertinenciis suis iustis in liberam
puram et perpetuam eletnosinara • Quare volumus [etc.']

Carta Dauidis Sancti Andree Episcopi de duabus acris terra de Kege • '
(1233—1253.)

Omnibus [etc.] Dauid permissione diuina ecclesie Sancti Andree minister
humilis • eternam in Domino salutem • Noueritis nos diuine caritatis
intuitu dedisse • [etc.] Deo • et Beate Marie • et canonicis de Muni-
musc • duas acras terre nostre de Kege • jacentes circa cimiterium ecclesie
de Kege ■ inter duos riuulos • scilicet • Conglassy • et Puthachin • exten-
dentes se • in parte australi • usque ad magnum flumen quod vocatur Don •
Quare volumus [etc.] Teste etc ■ ]

CLATT.2

LATT is dedicated to Saint Moloch, Bishop.
It has two silver chalices.
Manners. Newbigging, the Seat of Gordon of

Newbigging.
At Tillyange, October the ninth, A.D. m.d.lxxi.,
John, Master of Forbes, who stood up for King
James VI., then minor, had one hundred and

• [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, p. 366. See, as to the lands of
Kege, Acta Dominorum Auditorum, p. 164; Acta Dominorum Concilii, pp. 270, 296.]

2 [" The east end of the church appears to have been of very old date. When the seats
were removed in the year 1779, there appeared on the back wall, and at the end, a neat
tablet of freestone, about three feet square, with side columns and a cornice. In the middle,
in profile, are effigies of our Saviour on the cross, with the initials ' i • n • K . i • ' on
the top. The piece was ornamented with painting, in colours of vermillion, azure, and gold
leaf, very bright and fresh." (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. viii., pp. 542, 543.
Edinb. 1793.)

" The church is in the center of the parish, in a mercate toun, which is a burgh of
barony,' and has a weekly mercat and a yearly fair, called St. MoUoch's Fair, appointed

1 [" By letters of gift and donation, from King James IV. of Scotland, dated the sixteenth of June, 1501 ,
the town and village of Clatt was erected into a free burgh of barony, with all the rights and privileges
thereof'* etc. (Statistical Account of Scotldbd, vol. viii,, p. 540.)]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— CLATT. 621

twenty of his men surprized and killed by Sir Adam Gordon of
Auchindown, Huntley's brother, who fought for the Queen. '

to continue for eight days. Through this town and parish passes the King's highway from
Edinburgh to Inverness. The house of Ne'"^igging, where lives the laird of Auchlyne, is
west from the church about two pair of butts. The house of Knockespack is south from the
church a mile. South-west from Knockespack, is a great quarrie of marble, spotted with
yellow, green, and white ; which, if near a seaport, would be of considerable value, but lying
where it is, signifieth little to the owner or any else. A short mile south-west from the church,
lyes the village of Tillieangus, on the brow of the hill of Correin ; hard by which, was a battle
fought betwixt the Forbeses and Gordons in the time of Queen Mary. These two families
had been for some ages at odds betwixt themselves, and had several bickerings ; but, by in-
termarriages, their quarrels had been laid aside till now that Arthur, second brother to the
Lord Forbes, a man of a daring and active temper, and who, with his brother Lord Alex-
ander, had followed the part of King James against his mother, resolving to reconcile the
differences amongst those of his name, that he might the better carry on his designs, had
appointed a day for their meeting ; which Adam Gordon of Auchindown, brother to the Earl
of Huntly, who was for the Queen against the King, hearing of, he conveened a great num-
ber of his brother the carles vassals and tenents, and falling on the Forbeses, before they
were joyned, slew a good many of them, and amongst the rest Arthur ; rifled the house of
Forbes, from which Alexander, then lord, hardly escaped with his life to make his com-
plaint at court. The story you have at large in Buchanan's History, within two leaves of
the end." (Description of the parish of Clatt, by Mr. Gordon, minister at Alford, 1724,
and Mr. William Robertson, in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.)

" Until the last thirty years, there existed in the northern division of the parish the dis-
tinct remains of a Druidical temple, of which only the supposed altar stone and a few of the
upright stones, which were placed in the circumference, now remain. The stone supposed
to have formed the altar, was ten feet in length, nine feet in breadth, and four feet in thick-
ness. i\t each end of it there stood a perpendicular stone of about six feet in height; and in
the circle, of about twenty-five yards diameter, there were placed, at equal distances, seven
upright stones, from five to six feet in height. The whole space was rudely paved with
stones to the depth of about three feet. At the distance of about a quarter of a mile, in
different directions, several tumuli have been opened ; and in a line leading from the site of
the Druidical temple to some of these tumuli, there could be distinctly traced a rude cause-
way of stone. At a short distance from these tumuli, there was recently dug up, at the
depth of about six feet, a smooth stone, four feet long by two feet in breadth, on which is
represented the figure of a fish above a distinctly described arch. A broad smooth stone,
of about five feet in length and three in breadth, likewise formed part of the old wall of
the burying ground at Clatt, on which are engraven several single and concentric circles,
and other figures representing barbed arrows. This stone is similar to many in different
parts of the county." (The New Statistical Account of Scotland, number xlii., pp. 851,
852. Edinb. 1843.)]

' [See G. Buchanan. Rer. Scotic. Hist. lib. xx., capp. Ixiv., lxv.,and notes pp. 613 614

622 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

In the Registrum Chartarum ther is a charter from Bishop Dun-
bar to Gilbert Menzies, provost of Aberdeen, and his successors, and
to the community of the town of Aberdeen, of the lands of Ardlair,
(said to be infra dominium et schyram nostram de Clatt et comitatiim
deGarioch, and to have been resigned into the hands of the superiour,
the Bishop, by their hereditary possessor, Andrew Elphinston of
Selmys,) for the support of the bridge of Dee, to be held in fee of
the Bishop for twenty-six shillings and eight pence per annum.
'Tis dated apud civitntem Abirdonensem, December the fourteenth,
A.D. M.D.xxix., befor these witnesses : George, Earl of Huntley ;
George, prior of Pluscarty, coadjutor and designed successor to the
Bishop ; Walter Ogilvy of Monycabock ; John Keith of Ravens-
craig; Hector e Boetio, sacrarum literarum professore, collegii Aber-
donensis primario ; etc.^ This the said Gilbert Menzies accepts of,
under the said obligation, by his charter, (in Scotish,) at Aberdeen,
the fourteenth of December, A.D. m.d.xxix.

KINETHMONT.'^

INETHMONT is dedicated to Saint Rule. In

the Breviary of Aberdeen, this collect is ap-

. ) pointed for his day : " Omnipotens sempiterne

Deus qui per beati Reguli confessoris tui atque

^(^ abbatis merita gloriosa mitissimi Apostoli tui

^^ Andree reliquias nobis transferri voluisti : tribue

quesumus ipsius gloriosis intercedentibus meritis

edit. J. Man; Diurnal of Occurrents in Scotland, p. 23) ; Archbishop Spottiswoode's Hist,
of Ch. of Scot., p. 259 ; The Miscellany of the Spalding Club, vol. ii., p. 38 ; Sir Robert
Gordon's Genealogical History of the Earldom of Sutherland, pp. 164, 165; The New
Statistical Account of Scotland, number xlii., p. 830.]

' [The charter is printed at length in Kennedy's Annals of Aberdeen, vol. i., pp. 467,
468.]

2 [" On the hill of Melsoch is a mineral well, whose waters are good for the gravel,

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— KINETHMONT. 623

de terrenis ad celestia digne transferri valeamus • Per Do-
minum • " '

The church has an isle, built by the late Mr. James Leith of
Leithall.

Leithall, (formerly Peilside,) built by the late Mr. James Mannors.
Leith, of Leithall, the seat of Leith of Leithall.

Cults, the seat of Gordon of Cults.

and much frequented, in the summer time, by countrey people, with success. ' The
house of Leithhall, the residence of the laird of Leithhall, is north from the church, a
pair of butts ; betwixt which and the church runs a little burn, called The Burn of Syde.
The house of Kirkhill is south-south-east from the church, a pair of butts. The house of
Cults is north-west from the church, a short mile, on the brow of a hill. The house of
Law is east from the church, two miles. In the east end of this parish, about three miles
from the church, and a mile to the west of Insh, is an old chappel, called Christ's Kirk,
where is to be seen the ruins of the chappel, and a dyke encompassing it, where they are
yet in use of burying their dead. To this chappel belongs a glebe, possessed at present
by the incumbent of Kennethmont. There is, in the village where this chappel is built, a
yearly fair, called Christ's Fair, and commonly The Sleepy Market, because it begins
at night, about sunset, and ends one hour after sunrising next morning ; the people
buying and selling timber, and all other mercat goods, during the night, which is not
then dark, being the beginning of June : a very singular kind of mercat, as any ever
was.^ There is also another yearly fair, called St. Regulus's Fair, and commonly, by
corrupting the name, Trewel Fair, which stands on the grounds hai-d by the church of
Kennethmont, on the second Tuesday of October. There are no inns in this parish, nor
any highway. The soil of it is but indifferent, being for the most part mossy and hilly
ground. Leithhall hath attempted to make some enclosure about his house, but the
meadows produce but bad hay, and hardly can any kind of timber thrive there, the ground
being sour and cold." (A Description of Kennethmont, by Mr. Gordon, minister at Alford,
1724, and Mr. William Robertson, in Macfarlane's Geographical Collections, MS.)]

' [Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, f. Ixxxii.]

1 [" A mineral spring, in the mos3 of The Melsbach, is still in great reputation among the common
people. They use it both internally and externally, in the summer season, particularly in the month of
May. Its sanative qualities are supposed to extend to brutes. It is customary to leave at the well, part of
the clothes of the sick and diseased, and harness of the cattle," (Statistical Account of Scotland, vol, xiii,,
p. 76, Edinb. 1794.)]

2 [" An annual fair was kept at Christ's Kirk, in the month of May, and in the night ; hence it was
called by the people Sleepy Market, About thirty-five or thirty-six years ago, the proprietor changed it
from night to day ; but so strong was the prepossession of the people in favour of the old custom, that,
rather than comply with the alteration, they chose to neglect it altogether," (Statistical Account of Scot-
land, vol. xiii., p, 77,)]

624 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

[Carta Comitis Dauid de duabus carucatis • terre • in Kynalcmund que
vocatur Segyden • ' (1165—1188.)

Comes Dauid frater Regis Scocie omnibus sancte matris ecclesie filiis
salutem • Sciant [etc.'] me dedisse [e<c.] Deo et ecclesie beati apostoli
Andrea et canonicis ibidem Deo seruientibus et seruituris duas carucatas
terre in Kinalchmund in perpetuam elemosinam per easdem diuisas • sicut
Malcolmus et Walkelinus ■ et Waldeuus clericus et alii probi homines
perambulauerunt [etc.] ■ quousque eis donem redditum in ecclesia ad ua-
lenciam predictarum duarum carucaturam terre [etc.'] ■ Testibus • Matheo
episcopo Aberdenensi ■ Simone archidiacono ■ Malcolmo senescallo • Wal-
kelino ■ Willelmo capellano • Philippo clerico • Winemero • Magistro
Waltero ceraentario et pluribus aliis •

Carta Comitis Dauid de terrain Garuiach • ^ (1189 — 1214.)

Comes Dauid frater Regis Scotorum • Omnibus [etc.] sciatis me dedisse

[etc.] Deo • et ecclesie Sancti Thome de Abirbrothe • et nionachis

1 [From the Liber Cartarum Prioratus S. Andree, p. 239.
Carta Willelmi Regis de terra in Garuiach • (1163—1188.)

Villelmus Dei gracia Rex Scotorum • Omnibus [etc.] Sciant [etc.] me [etc.] confirmasse Deo
et ecclesie Sancti Andree de Scocia [etc.] illas duas carucatas terre quas Dauid frater meus
eis dedit in Garuiach [e<c.] Testibus • Ricardo de Moreuilla constabulario • Walltero de Ber-
kelai • Roberto de Landelis . apud Jedewrdh • (Id., pp. 226, 227.)

Confiruiacio communis Johannis filii Comitis Dauid • (1219 — 1237.)

Omnibus [etc.] Johannes de Scotia • comes Cestrie et de Huntedone eternam in Domino
salutem • Nouerit uniuersitas uestra nos [etc.] confirmasse Deo et ecclesie Sancti Andree
apostoli in Scocia [etc.] donaciones [etc.'} quas uenerabilis pater noster Comes Dauid eisdem
[etc.] dedit [etc.] videlicet • totam terram de Forgrunt • [etc.] et duas carucatas terre in
Kinalchmunde in perpetuam elemosinam per rectas diuisas suas [etc.] Testibus ■ Domino
Johanne abbate de Lundors • Domino Henrico de Struuelin fratre nostro • Domino Gerardo
de Lindeseya • Domino Willelmo de Lee . Domino Ada de Audelee • Domino Willelmo
de Burgo • Domino Symone de Garnecolli • [efc.] (Id., p. 240.)

See, as to the lands of Segyden, the Acta Dominorum Auditorum, pp. 6, 13.]

2 [From the Registrum Vetus Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS. In the same register there are
two confirmations of the grant : one (1211 — 1214), by William, King of Soots, dated " apud
Selekirk ■ xxiij • die Februarii . Testibus - Henrico abbate de Kalkou • Willelmo de Bosco
cancellario meo - Philippo de Valoniis camerario meo • Johanne de Makuswell • " the other,
(1219 — 1237), by John the Scot, Earl of Huntingdon. " Testibus ■ Domino Johanne

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— KINETHMONT. 625

ibidem Deo seruientibus • pro animabus patris et matris mee • et prede-
cessorum et successorum meorum • et pro anima mea • et pro aninia
Matildis sponse mee • unam carucatam terre in Kinalchraund • mensu- Ardlatlu
ratam et arabilem • cum communi pastura ■ eaiidem scilicet quam
Reginaldus de Listona • et Ricardus Marescall • et Walterus clericus •
et Symon Flandrensis • eis perambulauerunt • in puram et perpetuam ele-
uiosinam \_etc.'] • Hiis testibus • Willelmo Rege Scotorum fratre meo
• H • filio meo • Ricardo capellano meo • Bartho monacho . Malcolmo
filio Bertolf • Hugone de Kalledouer • Willelmo Vacellino • Walkelino
filio Stephani • Gilberto Dolpene • et Philippe clerico meo •

Carta Willelmi de Brechin • de terra de Rathmuryel • ' (a.d. 1245.)

Omnibus letc.~\ Willelmus de Brechin salutem • Sciatis me pro amore
Dei et anime mee salute • dedisse et quietum claraasse • Deo • et monas-
terio de Lundoris • terram illam que perambulata fuit de terra ecclesie
de Rathmuryel • ad alteram Rathmuryel que est terra mea • et resignasse
pro me et heredibus meis in perpetuum totum ius et clameum quod nobis
posset accidere occasione illius perambulacionis • Et ut terra ilia remaneat
quieta et libera predicte ecclesie de Rathmuryel per easdem diuisas quas
habui ante dictam perambulacionem • scilicet • per altam viam que vadit
de vado de Vry versus Leslyn • Et in huius rei testimonium huic scripto
sigillum meum appo^i • Testibus ■ dominis Johanne de Haya • Gilberto
de Haya • Willelmo de Haya de Balcolmy • Willelmo de Haya fratre
Gilberti de Haya ■ Hugone de Beunis • Henrico de Dundemora ■ Johanne
Wyschard • Michaele de Muncur • David de Louthre militibus meis •
et aliis • Apud Lundoris in crastino decollacionis Sancti Johannis Bap-
tiste • Anno gracie ■ m° • cc° • xl" • Quinto ■

Carta terrarum de Kilalckmunith • sine Ordlach • * (a.d. 1299.)
Omnibus [etc.'] ■ Nycholaus permissione diuina abbas de Abirbrothoc •

abbate de Lundors • Domino Galfrido de Kraufurd • Domino Henrico de Ferr . . . Hen-
rico de Striuelin • et Henrico de Brechyn fratribus meis • Ricardo Syward - Roberto de
Campania senescallo meo • et Henrico fratre eius • Symone Tuscheth • Johanne de Brus ■
Henrico de Dundemore • et multis aliis . "]

' [From the original in the Denmyln Collection of Charters.]

2 [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS. The following note
accompanies the deed as it is engrossed in the register :

" . Memorandum • quod Eugenius • filius et heres dicti Patricij ■ iurauit et fecit fidelitatem

626 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

et eiusdem loci conuentus [etc.'] Nouerint uniuersi nos letcl concessisse
[etc.'] Patricio de Rothene • illam carrucatam terre de Kilalcmunith quam
Comes Dauid nobis in elemoslnam dedit • et quam venerabilis pater
noster Dominus Henricus primus abbas et conuentus • Willelmo de Ta-
tenel • ad firmam dederunt • Tenendam [etc.'] de nobis et successoribus nostris
[etc.'] Salua nobis regalitate in dicta terre carrucata • Reddendo [etc.]
annuatim unam marcam argenti [etc.] ■ In cuius rei testimonium [etc.] Apud
Abirbrothoc • die Sabbati proxima ante festum Beati dementis martiris •
anno Domini ■ millesimo • cc" • Nonogesimo Nono •

Confirmacio carte de Kynalchmund per comitissam de Mar • ' (a.d.
1403.)

Omnibus [etc.] Ysabella de Douglas Coraitissa de Mar et Domina de
Garuyach • Salutem [etc.] Vestra nouerit uniuersitas nos intellexisse quan-
dam cartam Dauid quondam Comitis de Garuyach • fratris excellentissimi
Principis quondam Domini Willelmi Regis Scottorum ■ factam Deo et ec-
clesie Sancti Thome de Abirbrothoc abbati et religiosis nostris ibidem
Deo seruientibus • super donacione unius carrucate terre in Kynalchmund
cum pertinenciis • et communi pastura • Quam donacionem nos in nostra
pura viduitate constituta approbamus [etc.] ■ Insuper damus et concedimus
ecclesie Sancti Thome predicte [etc.] omne jus [etc.] que in eadem carru-
cata terre de Kynalchmund habemus [etc.] pro salute animarum quondam
bone memorie Domini Willelmi de Douglas patris nostri • et Domine
Margarete de Douglas Comitisse eiusdem nostre matris • et salute anime
nostre • et fratris nostri quondam Domini Jacobi de Douglas Comitis
eiusdem ■ et predecessorum nostrorum in hac parte [etc.] ■ In cuius rei
testimonium siglllum nostrum presentibus fecimus apponi • Apud Kyn-
dromy • vicesimo • vii° • die mensis Mayi • Anno Domini • m° • cccc° -
Tercio • ]

Domino Bernardo Dei gracia abbati de Abirbrothoc . et eiusdem loci conuentui • et eoriim
successoribus • pro dicta terra • in claustro ad parliamentum conuentus • die Veneris proxima
ante festum Sancti Mathei apostoli . et duplicabit firmam ad terminos Sancti Martini et
Penthecostes proxime sequentes • anno [ • m<> • ccc" • ] vigesimo septimo • "]
' [From the Registrum Recentius Cenobii de Aberbrothoc, MS.]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— KINETHMONT. 627

Resignacio Agnetis de Mordington facta Domino Regi Scocie de terra

de Gilleandristone • ' (a.d. 1321.)
Vniuersis sancte matris ecclesie filiis [etc.'] i Agnes de Morthingtone filia
et heres domini Petri de Morthingtone militis salutem [etc.] Nouerit vni-
uersitas vestra me [etc.'] vendidisse Johanni filio Ade Bruninge ac in per-
sonam suam titulo vendicionis transtulisse totara terram de Gilleandristone
in le Garuiache cum omnibus suis pertinenciis [etc.'] pro trescentis et
sexaginta marcis bonorum et legalium sterlingorum michi pre manibus per-
solutis / [etc.] Et ad hoc fideliter et inuiolabiliter obseruandum fidem meam
in manibus venerabilis patris domini Willelmi de Lambertone Dei gracia
Episcopi Sancti Andree prestiti corporalem et nichilominus juraui tactis
sacrosanctis ewangelijs in presencia vniuersorum prelatorum in concilio
apud Perth nono die mensis Julij anno Domini • millesimo • ccc • vice-
simo primo congregatorum / me dictam vendicionem meam ratam et firmam
habere inperpetuum [etc.] ■ Et vt presens mea vendicio et iuris translacio
plenara optineat roboris firmitatem ex habundanti / renunciaui resignaui
ac sursum reddidi / in pleno parliamento tento apud Perthe die et anno
supradictis in manibus serenissimi Principis domini Roberti Dei gracia
Regis Scottorum illustris cum fusto et baculo totam predictam terram
de Gillandristone cum singulis pertinencijs suis supradictis • Qui quidem
dominus Res tam vt Rex Scocie quam vt heres bone memorie domini
Roberti de Bruys superioris domini predict! tenementi de Gilleandristone
prefato Johanni heredibus suis et assignatis pure [etc.] dictam terram et
tenementum [etc.] contulit / ac eundem de dicta terra infeodauit et ipsum
de eadem inuestiuit • [etc.] In cuius rei testimonium in presencia pre-
dictorum prelatorum presentibus Uteris sigillum meum apposui • Et quia
sigillum meum minus est cognitum sigUla venerabilium patrum dominorum
Willelmi de Lamberton • Willelmi de Sancto Clare • Henrici le Chene ■
Johannis de Kyninmonthe • et Ferchardi Beleraumbe Dei gracia Sancti
Andree • Dunkeldensis • Abirdonensis • Brechenensis • et Cathanensis
Episcoporum / ac nobilium virorum dominorum Gilberti de Haya Consta-
bularii Scocie et Roberti de Kethe Marescalli eiusdem presentibus apponi
procuraui • Datum apud Perthe decimo die mensis Julij • anno Domini ■
m° • ccc° • vicesimo primo . ]

• [From the Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 16, collated with a copy in the Acts of the
Parliaments of Scotland, vol. i., p. 118. See also Robertson's Index to the Charters, p.
9 ; Registrvm Magni Sigilli, p. 104.]

628 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

TULLINESSIL.i

ERE are the manners of

Dalpersie Castle, the seat of Gordon of
Dalpersie.

[" Preceptum Episcopi ad inducendum Patricium Leyth in ofR-
cium clericatus parochialis ecclesie de Tulynestyn • " (a.d.
1556. From the original in the charter chest at White-
e^i^^'^PS^ haugh.)

" W^iLi-ELMDS miseracione diuina Abirdonensis Episcopus decano Xpianitatis de Garveauche
siue cuicunque alij capellano infra diocesim nostram Abirdonensem diuina celibranti et super
presencium execucione debits requisito Salutem cum benediccione diuina Quia officium
clericatus parochialis ecclesie de Tulynestyn de jure et de facto per puram et simplicem
demissionem seu resignacionem Willelmi Gordoune filij naturalis et legittimi nobilis viri
Alexandri Gordone de Strathoune illius vltimi clerici et possessoris vacans ad nomina-
cionem seu eleccionem ])arochianorum dicte parochie nostramque confirmacionem ordinariam
pleno jure spectans dilectum nostrum Patricium Leyth filium honorabilis virj Patricij Leyth
de Crannoth nostre diocesis clericum nobis per prefatos parochianos saltern maiorem et sa-
niorem partem eorundem per instrumentum publicum Magistri Andree Thomsone notarij
publicj de data decimo septimo die mensis Decembris anno Dominj millesimo quingentesimo
quinquagesimo sexto • nominatum et electum adraisiraus recepimus et in clericum parochia-
lem dicte parochialis ecclesie confirmauimus prout eundem per presentes confirmamus
VoBis IGITDR et vestrum cuilibet preeipimus et mandamus quatenus prefatum Patricium
Leyth clericum dicte parochialis ecclesie de Tulynessill in realem actualem et corporalem
possessionem dictj officii clericatus aut eiusdem procuratorem eius nomine per amphore aque
benedictj et aspersorij tradicionem et deliberacionem inducatis ct instituatis seu alter ves-
trum inducat et instituat sibique de vniuersis et singulis juribus fructibus redditibus prouen-
tibus et emolumentis dicti officij clericatus aut eius procuratori suo nomine et nulli alij integre
respondere facialis Contradictores et rebelles si qui forsan fuerint nostra auctoritate ordi-
naria arctius compescentes Et vos qui presentes executj fueritis sigillum vestrum in
secunda cauda post nostrum appendatis seu per notarium publicum notificari facialis apud
eundem institutum remansurum In quorum omnium et singulorum fidem has presentes
nostre confirmaoionis ordinarie litteras fieri fecimus et per notarium publicum subscriptum
subscribi et publicari mandauimus Sigillique nostri rotundj jussimus et fecimus appensione
communirj Acta erant hec infra palacium nostrum Abirdonense die decimo octauo die
mensis Decembris Anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo quinquagesimo sexto Indiccione
decima quinta • pontificatus pape Pauli quarti anno secundo lioram circiter duodecimam
ante meridiem Presentibus ■ venerabilibus viris Magistris Jacobo Gordoun cancellario
Morauiensi Alexandro Seytoune cancellario Abirdonensi et Joanne Fressir testibus in
premissis vocatis et requisitis •

" Magister Andreas Leslie notarius publicus ac dicti reuerendi patris secretarius per
eiusdem speciali mandato premissa approbat teste hac mea subscripcione manu-
al! • "MA Leslie • "]

PRESBYTERY OF ALFORD— TULYNESSIL. 629

Whitehaugh, the seat of Leith of Whitehaugh, the heiress
of whom having married Forbes of Tolquhon, her second son by
him, under the name of Leith, is now heir. '

[Protestationnne be Williame Leytht sone and apperand air to Alexander
Leytht of Montgarie on his beand chargit to ryde to the bruch of
Stirlyng on the Kingis Maiestie seruice / for the prouisioun of bis
dochteris gif he cam nocht banie againne • ^ (a.d. 1584.)

In Dei nomine amen per hoc presens publicum instrumentura cunctis
pateat euidenter et sit notum quod anno incarnacionis Dominice millesimo
quingentesimo octuagesimo quarto mensis vero Aprilis die vicesimo sexto ■
£t regni • S • D • N • Regis Jacobi sexti Dei gracia Scotorum Regis
illustrissimi anno decimo octauo • In mej notarij publicj et testium sub-
scriptorum presentiis Personaliter comperit ane honorable man Williame
Leytht sone and apperand air to Alexander Leytht of Montgarie / de-
clarit befor me notar publict and witnes vnder writtin / that according to
the proclamatioun maid than / he was chargit to ryid to the bruch of
Stirlyng on the Kyngis Maiestie seruice / swa that be penuritie of tym
he culd nocht mak sik securiteis to his docbters as be wald / be hawand
no sone on lywe / and his haill landis beand talyeit to his airis maill /
qubarthrow his docbters wald want sik thingis as he wald bestow on tbam
for thair weill and profeit / tbarfor band and oblist bis airis maill that
bappinit to succeid to his landis and heretage of Montgarie Qubythaych
myln of Montgarie and landis of Fowislie that gif he comme not haym
againne / and na wther wayis / to content pay and deliuer to ilk ane of
his dochteris beand thre in nvmer videHcet Mariore Elezabeth and Basse
Leythtis the sowmme of ane thousand markis money to the adwansinent and

> [" John Leith of Montgarie or Quhythauch for his atcheivment and ensigne armoriall
bears argent a fess fusile sable (or five fusils in fess). Above the sheild on a helmet be-
fitting his degree with a mantle gules doubled argent and wreath of his colours is sett for
his crest a dove with an olive branch in her beck: the motto in an escrol Fidus ad ex-
TBEMCM." (" Extract of the blason of the coat armoriall appertaining and belonging to
John Leith of Montgarie or VVhythauch," under the signature and seal of office of " Sir
Alexander Areskine of C'anibo knight and baronet Lyon King of Armes, 17 January
1688," in the charter chest at Whitehaugh.)]

2 [From the original in the charter chest at Whitehaugh.]
4 L

630 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

support of thair maregis quhan happinit to be / And to the berne his
wyf was with than ■ ane thousand merkis money gif it was ane medin
borne And gif it was ane laid he to be nawyis oblist nor astrictit in payment
of the saidis sowraes of money / bot simpliciter dischargit thairof induring
his awin will and plesour / and the said Alexander Leytht of Montgarie
protestit that the said prouisioun and securitie maid be his said sone /
suld nawayis be hurtful! nor preiudiciall to na airis maill hawand rycht to
the saidis landis and myln thairof Wpoune the quhilkis all and sundrie
the premissis the said Alexander Leytht of Montgarie and Issobell Forbes
spous to the said William Leytht requerit of me notar publict vnder writin
instrument ane or ma / Acta erant hec apud Quhythaych hora quarta
pomeridiana aut eocirca sub annis \_etc.'] quibus supra Presentibus ibidem
honestis et discretis viris Johanne Scott in Putachie Richardo Camerall
in Montgarie [etc.']

Et ego vero Jacobus Forbes artium professor clericus diocesis Aber-
donensis notariusque publicus [etc.] ]

PRESBYTERY OF KINCARDINE— KINCARUINE-O'NEIL. 631

IN THE PRESBYTERY OF KINCARDIN.
KINCARDIN.

.Hi^o"M. INCARDIN hath for its tutelar Saint Erchad
'''^ or Yrchard, Bishop in Scotland, under King
Malcolm I., about A.D. d.cccc.xxxiii. His
1(3^ feast was kept on the twenty-fourth of August.*
He was consecrated at Rome, by Pope Gregory
[V.] for the Northern Plots, and was buried here.f
It is more likely he should have been conse-
crated by Pope Gregory IV., who was sitting at Rome, A.D.
D.ccc.xxxiii. ; but before Gregory V.'s time, (who began A.D.
D.cccc.xcvi.), the Picts were destroyed.

BOGIN. Chappel.

In Kincardin-Oneal, ther was a Hospital founded, above Hospital.
four hundred and fifty years ago, by Alan Durward, to which
he annexed the patronage of the church of Lumfannan. This is
that Alanus Ostiarius, an eminent man in the minority of King
Alexander III., quoted in a letter of Mr. Thomas Innes to Mr.
Ker.

Craigmile, formerly belonging to the Craigmiles of That Ilk ; Mannors.
after that to the Burnet's, (of Leyes' family,) now to the Farquhar-
sons of Monaltrie, (brother to Invercauld,) who has built a fine new
house here.

Camphel, Burnet.

• King's Calendar [" August 24. S. Erchade bischop and confessor in Scotland vnder
King Malcolme i., a.d. 933." T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum,
t. i., p. 245 : " S. Erthadus, mira vitae sanctimonia episcopus in Scotia, scripsit, ' Lecturas
in Biblia, lib. i. ; De Divina Essentia, lib. i. ; Allegorias sacras, lib. i.' Floruit, anno
Dcccc XXXIII. Colitur pie xxrv. Julii. Breviar. Scotic." See also D. Camerarii de
Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. 168 ; Butler's Lives of the Saints, vol. ii., p. 299.]

t Second volume of the Aberdeen Breviary [prop. Sanct. pro temp, estiuali, xxiv. Aug.]

632

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

LOGY-COLSTANE.

N the parish of Logy, (called Logy-Mar,) was
Si) the church of Logy, dedicated to Saint Wolock,
'S) Bishop, whose feast was kept on the twenty-
ninth of January. *

In the parish of Colstane ....

TARLAN AND MIGVIE.

HE church of Tarlan was dedicated to Saint
Mathuluoch. Morgund, Earl of Mar, under
Saint David, gave the church of Saint Mathuluoch
of Tharvulend, with a mill ther, and a plough of
land called Gochilstaue, (that is, as I suppose,
Colstane,) to the priory of Saint Andrews ; as also
a church called Amycht. f
MiGviE hath for tutelar Saint Finnian, Bishop in Scotland,
under King Ferchard II., about A.D. d.c.lx. In the diocese of
Aberdeen this collect was used on his day : " Fac nos quesumus
Oninipotens Deus intercedente beato Finiano confessore tuo atque
pontifice tuis denote obedire mandatis vt dum carnalia delicta cle-
menter accusas medecinam anime placabiliter largiaris • Per Do-
minum •"' His feast was kept on the eighteenth of March, f
MiGviE Castle.

* Second ])art of the Breviary of Aberdeen, [prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, f. xlv, ;
" !Sed et tandem in senectute perfecta quarto Kalendas Februarii animam suam angelis
astantibus ad Christum transuexit • in cuius hactenus honorem parochiales ecclesie de
Tunraeth et Logy in Mar dedicate sunt • " See above, pp. 129, 130.]

t Crawford's Peerage in the genealogy of the Earls of Mar.

' [Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanctorum pro tempore hyemali, f. Ixxii.]

J King's Calendar. [See also D. Camerarii de Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. 102.]

nors.

PRESBYTERY OF KINCARDINE— COULL,—ABOYNE. 633
COWL.
OWL church was dedicated to Saint Nach-

LAN.'

At Ledle-lik here, is a quarry for nether mill-
stones.

Cowl Castle. Man

Corse, ^ of old Cotharis, (tht)ugh annexed to
Leochel,) is properly in this parish.

ABOYN, AND GLENTANER.

BOYN hath for its tutelar Saint Theunan ' ;

Glentaner hath Saint

Aboyne, or Oboy'ne, was given, A. D.
M.cc.XLviii., by Ralph, Bishop of Aberdeen, to
the Knights Templars at Maryculter.*

.^. ______ Glentaner is so called because it is a valley

along Taner, which here falls into Dee ; and it is,
indeed, but one great forest of tall firrs, belonging to the Earl of
Aboyn.

Aboyn Castle, built in six years, (being about six story Mannors

1 [Breuiariuin Aberdonense, prop. Sanctorum pro tempore hyemali, f. xxvi. See above,
pp. 131, 132.]

2 [See above, pp. 600, 601.]

3 [" It will appear, perhaps, to some that I have insisted too long- upon S. Adamnan ;
but, besides the light he furnishes to our history in ages when our other writers are so
barren of materials, the author of these memoirs, born in the parish of Aboyne, anciently
devoted to the memory of this holy man, and still preserving a monument of him, well
known to all the neighbourhood by name of • S. Eunan's Well,' and ' S. Eunan's Tree,"
thought it a duty to be at some more pains to illustrate his life and actions." (Father
Thomas Innes' Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, vol. ii., MS., Advocates' Library.)
About half way between Aboyne Castle and the ruins of the ancient parish church, is a
large old tree, now called ' Skeulan Tree,' with a well at the foot of it, called ' Skeulan
Wall ' : the tree is still held in reverence.]

• Chartulary of Aberdeen, in the Advocates' Liberary

(334

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

high,) by Charles Gordon, (son to George second Marquess of
Huntley, by Anne, daughter to Archibald, Earl of Argyle,) who
for his loyality was created Earl of Aboyn, A.D. m.dc.lx. He
dyed A.D. m.dc.lxxx., leaving, by Elisabeth, daughter to John
Earl of Strathraore, Charles, his successor; which Earl Charles,
by Elisabeth, daughter to Patrick Earl of Strathmore, had the
present ' Earl [John] ; who, by [Grace], daughter to George
Lockhart of Carnwath, (the richest private gentleman in Scotland
besouth Forth,) had [Charles, Lord Glenlivet.]
Drttmgask, the seat of Innes of Drumgask.

^2|g2&3

BRASS.

^ RASS, dedicated to Saint Michael, has two
silver chalices,
Manners. FiNZEAN, Farquharson.

TiLLIESNAUGHT, RoSe.

Easter-Cluin, formerly Rose, now Irvine.

Wester-Cluin, Rose.

TiLLiEFROSKiE, Ochterlauy ; said to have pos-
sessed Wester-Seaton, near Arbroth, for four ages, though they
have but late purchased Tilliefroskie.

MiGSTRATH, formerly belonging to the Irvins of Drum, thereafter
to those of Kincaussie, of late to the Gardens of Migstrath, and
now to Young of Migstrath.

' [John, third Earl of Aboyne, succeeded to that title about the year 1704, and died
in the year 1732. His son and successor, Charles, fourth Earl, died in 1794.]

PRESBYTERY OF KINCARDINE— LUNFANAN,—MIDMAR. 635

LUMFANAN.

UMFANAN church is dedicated to Saint Vincent,
whose feast is on the twenty-second of January.

AUCHINHIVE, the seat of Duguid of Auchin- Manners

hive.

Balnacraig, the seat of Chalmers of Balna-

craig, who is said to have a charter from King

^am^mW Alexander I.

AucHLOssiN, formerly the seat of Rosses of Auchlossin, who, it

seems, claimed the chiefship of the name, and built by the late

Robert Rosso of Auchlossin ; now purchased by Mr. Charles Far-

quharson, brother to Farquharson of Inverey.

MIDMAR.

ANNORS here are : Corsinda, the seat of Forbes Manners.
of Corsinda, descended of Duncan Forbes of Cor-
sinda, ([second] son to William second Lord For-
bes, by Christian, daughter to Alexander first Earl
of Huntley,) who, under King James IV., founded
this family. Lumsden' says this Duncan was
brother to that Lord William, and son to [James]
Lord Forbes, by Giles, daughter to Earl Marshal.

This Duncan, by Christian, daughter to Mercer, provost of Perth,
had William Forbes of Corsinda ; who, by Margaret, daughter to
Thomas Lumsden of Condlan, had, (besides Mr. Duncan of Moni-
musk, and John of Balfluig, etc.,) his heir, James Forbes of Corsin-
da ; who, (by Janet, daughter to William Gordon of [The Craig of]
Auchindore,) had William Forbes ; who, by Janet, daughter to
Alexander Forbes of Tolquhon, had, (besides Mr. William,) James
Forbes of Corsinda ; who, by Catherine, daughter to Mortimer of
Craigievar, had [William Forbes of Corsinda ; who, by

' [Genealogy of the Family of Forbes, pp. 11, 13, U. edit. 1819.]

636

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Fraser, daughter to the laird of Strichen, had, (besides three daugh-
ters,) three sons, James, William, and Alexander.]

Ballogie, at first a castle, and since erected a court, lately the
seat of Forbes of BaUogie, (descended of Tolquhon, the first of this
family being son to Pitnacalder, about the middle of the last age,)

but now possessed by Mr. Grant, (son to Grant of ,)

under the name of Grantfield Castle.

Sheels, formerly belonging to the estate of Corsinda, lately the
seat of Forbes of Sheels, (of Ballogie's family,) but now purchased
by Farquharson, late of Whitehouse in Tullich,

KINERNIE.

^^Sl^^^^-SS ere is the mannor of Caiendai, lately the seat
of Lumsden of Cairndai, now belonging to Bur-
net of Camphel ......

Chappel.

Mannors.

ECHT.

CHT church is dedicated to Saint Fincan, Virgin

in Scotland. She flourished in the beginning of

^ the sixth age ; and her feast was kept on the

thirteenth of October. * She must be difi'erent,

I then, from that Saint Fincan, (daughter to Saint

mj Donald,) who lived in the beginning of the eighth

^s^ age, and whose feast is placed by Cameraritis

on the twenty first of August.

at MONKSECHT.

EcHT, the seat of Forbes of Echt ; the first of which family

• Second volume of the Aberdeen Breviary ; King's Calendar. [See also T. Demp-
steri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., jj. 279-]

PRESB. OF KINCARDINE— CLUNY,— BANCHORY S. TERNAN. 637

was Thomas, (surnamed Thom of The Loch,) natural son, by a
gentlewoman called Stewart, to Alexander Forbes of Brux [sur-
named Alaster Cam] (the first of that family,) who obtained this
estate by marrying Marjory Stewart, heiress thereof, and niece
to the Earl of Mar, under King James II. The seventh, (in-
clusively,) from this Thomas was John Forbes of Brux, who lived
in M.DXxxx., * and by Helen, daughter to Strachan of Thornton,
had [John Forbes, who died without succession.]

HousEDALE, a neat little house with a good park about it, all
newly raised by Forbes of Echt, younger ; but sold, A.D. m.dcc.xxvi.
to Duff of Brako.

CLUNY.

LUNY is a cross church, having one isle for the
Gordons of Cluny, and another for the Frasers
of Muchil.

Cluny, the seat of Gordon of Cluny. Mannors.

Castle Fraser, (formerly called Muchil-in-
Mar,) lately the seat of the Lord Fraser, now
that of his heir, Fraser of Inverallachy. A.D.

M.DC.xxxm., Alexander Fraser of Muchil was created Lord

Fraser of Muchil. His arms are : azure, three fraiss argent ;

crest, a mount full of strawberries, supported by a faulcon and

a heron : motto, " All my hope is in God."

UPPER BANCHORY.

PPER BANCHORY, dedicated to Saint Ter-

NAN, is a cross church, having one isle for the

^ Burnets of Leyes, and another for

I-

U^ In Invercanny, (which runs into Dee, two
^l| miles above this church of Upper Banchory,)
are many pearls taken.

' Lumsden's Manuscript [Genealogy of the Family of Forbes, pp. 40, 46, 47. edit. 1819.]
4 M

638 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Mannors. Crathis, the Seat of Burnst of Leyes, baronet, reckoned, in

this country, where he has resided these four hundred years,
the chief of that name, though in the south, Burnet, formerly of
Burnetland, now of Barns, contends with him. This family got
Leyes, (in this parish,) from King Robert I. ; and their arms
are : argent, three holin leaves in chef, vert, and a hunting
horn in base, sable : crest, an hand pruning a vine : motto,
" Virescit vzdnere virtus:" supporters, a Highlander, (in a hunting
garb,) and a grayhound, to shew that they were, the King's
forasters.

Whither the English Bumets, (of quhom was Dr. Burnet,
author of the Theory of the Earth,) be descended of those of Scot-
land, I have not learned.'

Ramore, lately the seat of Skene of Ramore, said to be de-
scended of a priest who was brother to Skene of That Ilk, about
two hundred years ago. Of this family, in the last age, were
Sir John Skene,^ Lord Register to King James VI., (who published
the old laws of Scotland, both in Latin and English, with an
explanation,) and also President^ of the Session, and King's Advo-
cat. The heiress being married to Hog of Bliriedryne, (in Durris
parish,) 'tis now possessed by that family ; the first of whom is
said to have obtained that small possession from the Earl Marishal,
near two hundred years ago, for his having courteously enter-
tained, (when but a farmer there,) King James V. travelling
through that country in disguise.

TiLLWHiLLY, the seat of Douglass of Tillwhilly, an old family ;

' [See above, pp. 40, 41.]

2 [Born about the year 1549, died in 1612. A memoir of him will be found in Haig
and Brunton's Historical Account of the Senators of the College of Justice, pp. 230 — 234.]

* [The author is here in error. Sir John Skene was himself only an ordinary lord of
session. But his son, Sir James Skene of Curriehill, admitted an ordinary lord of session
on his father's resignation in June 1612, " succeeded Thomas Earl of Melrose, as President,
on the fourteenth February 1626, in which office he continued till his death, which took
place on the fifteenth of October 1633, in his own lodging, beside the grammar school
of Edinburgh." (Haig and Brunton's Historical Account of the Senators of the College
of Justice, pp. 253,254.)]

PRESBYTERY OF KINCARDINE— TULLICH.—GLENMUICK. 639

the first of which, (some say,) got it by marrying a natural Manners.
daughter of the Earl Marishal.

Inchmerlie, belonging to Douglass of Tillwhilly.

GLENMUICK, TULLICH, AND GLENGARDEN.

LENMUICK is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin
Mary ; Tullich, to Saint Nachlan ; and Glen-
garden, to Saint Mungo, Bishop of Glasgow. *

Tullich is the largest church of the three ; but
the manse is at Glenmuick. The curate here is
parson of Tullich, and but vicar of the other two
:?^^^^^^ii^ churches, their great tithes being paid to The
King's College. In winter. Dee so overflows here, that it cannot be
ferryed over, so that the poor people of some one of these parishes
are frequently without publick worship for some weeks.

GLENMUICK is so named from Muick, which runs out of Loch
Muick, (two miles long,) and is itself five miles in length. Here is
the mountain Lochnagar, which has still on it some snow, where is
another Loch Muick. Here ther is an old castle called Knock, on
a rising ground ; as ther are the ruins of another old castle, half a
mile west from the church.

* In the Breviary of Aberdeen this hymn is appointed to be sung in praise of him :
Fvlget Clara festiuitas Tellus iam plaudit Scotica

Qua Kentigerni dignitas ^ancti cernens insignia •

Sacri fertur ad sidera

Post pure carnis funera •

Letare Loth Laudonie

Felix tam sacro germine •

Hie vite vir eximie Ornat venustat nobilem

Flos gentis lux Laudonie Totam presul progeniem ■

lubar ardens stirps Regia t , . > , . •

„ ,^ ^ • 1 • JUaude decus splendor gloria

Exultat nunc m patria • f . .

Virtus honor victoria

Gaudet Glasgu precipue Sint Trinitati debita

Tanto pollens sub presule Per infinita seeula • Amen •

[Breuiarium Aberdonense, proprium Sanctorum pro tempore hyemali, f. xxvii.]

H40 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Hospital. There was an Hospital at Spittal, (below an ale house,) on the

east end of Loch Muick, where is a pass, (called The Caiple
Month,) to the hills of Clova.
Maniiors. Dee-Castle, which gives title- of lord to the eldest son of

Aboyne, (whose it is,) being built hard by the ruins of Kyan-na-
KYL, that is, a wood-head, a house built here for a summer-seat by
one of the Earls of Huntley, who was invited thereto by the fine
situation of the place, lying at the head of a fair wood of birch
and alder : and 'tis said the first Duke of Gordon was born here.

Braichlie, a ruinous castle, formerly the seat of the Gordons of
Brachlie, (an antient family,) now belonging to Invercauld.

BiRKHALL, so named from the birch woods about it, (formerly
Steirn,) a handsome house, newly built by the Gordons of Aber-
geldy.

AucHOLZiE, the seat of Grant of Aucholzie.

In TULLICH, there are two birch woods, Colbleen on the
north side of Dee, and Pannanich on the south side.
MamioT . Whitehouse, SO Called as being the only house in Cromar, built

with stone and mortar, (since the ruin of the two old castles. Cowl
and Migvie,) a mortgage lately recovered by the Earl of Aboyne.

Mannor. GLENGARDEN parish is a small slip on Garden, which is

about seven miles long, and has a good stone bridge at the church,
which rises out of Binawin, a mountain always covered with snow,
and which affords a kind of bright stones, resembling those of Bris-
tol in England. At the end of this mountain is Loch-Builg.

The habitable part of this parish is but one mile broad, and is
surrounded with hills covered over with flrr, birch, and hazel ; and.
near the Craigs of Ballater here, is an oak-wood.

Chappei. Saint 's, at , one mile above the church,

on the west side of Garden.

PRESBYTERY OF KINCARDINE— CRATHIE,— BR AEMAR. <341

CRATHIE, OR STRATHDEE ; AND BRAEMAR, OR KINDROCHT.

i«h^^^^;*^^TRATHDEE, dedicated to Saint Niniar, or
f^^^^k Wb 1 Manir,' is so called, because it is a plain along
A^^^^^^ Dee; but the name extends somewhat farther
/^^^^^^^^^ than Crathie parish.

?i3P^^B B^^ Braemar signifies The Heights of Mar ; and
(J^Hj^^^^P^ Kindrocht is the same with Bridge-End, be-
^^^^^^ cause the church stands at the end of a timber
bridge over Cluny, which gives name to Glencluny, is about
seven miles long, and here runs into Dee.

In CRATHIE there were four chappels :

The Chappel of the Hermites, at Miacra, or Micris. Four Chap-

Saint Valentine's at Abergeldie. '"' ^'

at Aberardour.

at Balmurrel.

Abergeldie, the seat of Gordon of Abergeldie. The old castle Mannois.
here is ruinous. In it ther was placed a garrison at the Revolu-
tion, which the Highlanders beseiged till general M'Kay relieved it,
and burnt a part of the country round about. There was, also, in
A.D. M.DCC.xv., a garrison kept both here, and at Invercauld.

MoNALTRiE, the seat of Farquharson of Monaltrie, brother to
Invercauld.

Aberardour, belonging also to Invercauld.

Balmurrel, the seat of Farquharson of Balmurrel, brother to
Inverey.

TuLLOCHCOY, the seat of Farquharson of TuUochcoy.

In Crathie is the little strip of land called Strathgirnick,
and Craig-gush mountain, covered with firrs.

In BRAEMAR there were the chappells of

Eglish-kian-na-dallach, (an old church,) at Dalmore. Chappels.

The Seven Maidens', at Inverey, where that family buries their
dead.

> [See above, pp. 135—137.]

642 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Chappels. SaINT BrIDE's at CrOCHAULI.

KiNDALLOcH, near Dalmore.

Tamintool.

Balnourd, two miles beneath the church on Dee.

GuASTOCH, five miles beneath the church on Dee.

Hospitaii. Ther was an Hospitall at Cairnwall, (called Shean-Spittal,

or Old Hospital,) wher ther is a road over the Grampian hills.
'Tis said ther were several other such hospitals for poor travellers
passing over Granzbin.
Manners. Invercauld, Considerably adorned of late with new buildings,

and surrounded with a birch wood ; and two miles below it ther
is a great flrr wood called Ballach-bui, (where ther is a saw
mill,) belonging also to Invercauld. This is the seat of the chief
of the Farquharsons, (who abound in these two parishes,) said
to be descended of Shaw, one of the sons of Macduff Earl of Fife.

'Tis said that Finlaw Farquharson of Invercauld was killed
at the battle of Pinkey, A.D. m.d.xlvii. ; whose son, by Beatrix
Garden, was John Farquharson of Invercauld ; whose son, (by
, daughter to Barclay of Gartley,) was Far-
quharson of Invercauld ; whose son, by [Anne], daughter to Erskin
of Pittodrie, was [Alexander] Farquharson of Invercauld ; whose
son, by Margaret, daughter to Mackintosh of That Ilk, is the pre-
sent [John] Farquharson of Invercauld.

'Tis said, also, that the said Finlaw had a brother Donald
Farquharson of Monaltrie, whose three sons founded the three
families of AUanacoich, Inverey and Finzean.

Invercauld's arms are : quarterly; first and fourth, or, a lyon
rampant gules, for Macdufi' ; second and third, argent, a firr growing
out of a mount, (because this his country abounds with such
trees,) : on a chef, gules. The Banner of Scotland displayed, (one
of his predecessors, Finlaw More, having been slain at Pinkie
while he carried that Banner,) and a canton dexter, or, charged
with a dagger pointed downward, (one of his predecessors having
used that weapon, while he joined the Macphersons in killing
the rebel lord of Strathbogie under King Robert I. : crest, a lyon

PRESBYTERY OF KINCARDINE—CRATHIE,— BRAEMAR. 643

issuing out of a wreath gules and or, holding a sword : supporters. Mannors.
two wild cats : motto " Fide et fortitudine."*

Inverey, (so named from Ey, which here falls into Dee, after
giving name to Gleney, which is inhabited for three miles up-
wards,) the seat of Farquharson of Inverey.

A.D. M.DCc.xv., Alexander Farquharson of Inverey was for-
feited by the Duke of Brunswick, and his estate reckoned at two
hundred and eighty one pounds sterling, yearly ; whereof in money,
two hundred and forty four pounds ; in barley, twenty eight bolls,
at six shillings eleven pence and one third of a penny per boll :
oatmeal, sixty five bolls at the same ; malt, four bolls, at the same :
weathers, five, at three shillings and four pence each ; capons, six-
teen, at six shillings and one third of a penny each ; poultry, ninety
one, at four pence each ; linnen, three yards, at seven pence per yard.

AucHiNDREiN, the seat of Farquharson of Auchindrein.

CoLDARACH, the Seat of Farquharson of Coldarach.

Allanacoich, the seat of Farquharson of Allanacoich.

Near this last is the flrr wood of Glencoich, etc. ; and near the
head of Dee is Corivran forest, four miles long, abounding with
cattle and deer.

Dalmore, the seat of Mackenzie of Dalmore. To him belongs
a good part of Glen-Lui, where is the flrr wood of Dirrirai.

The King's Castle of Kindrocht, in Castletown, now
ruinous ; said to have been built by King Malcolm III., and to
have been inhabited, (as well as Kildrummy,) by the Earls of Mar,
of the Royal family : of which race of Stuarts, Earls of Mar,
ther are some few families here yet remaining.

The Duke's Castle, at the church, built by [John] Earl
of Mar, grandfather to the present John Duke of Mar. The
English kept a garrison here, under Cromwel ; but the castle itself
was burnt by the Revolution army.

At DuBRACH is a barrak, (about forty five miles above Aber-
deen,) where ther has been a garrison for some years kept.

• Nisbet's Heraldry.

<oU

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

IN THE PRESBYTERY OF FORDYCE.

FORDYCE.
ORDYCE church was dedicated to Saint Tarkin.'

Chappels. SaINT CoLM's at AlRD.

Manners. BiRKENBOG, a castle, the Seat of Aber-
' cromby of Birkenbog, baronet, (so created, A.D.
* [m.dc.xxxvi.]) who is chief of this name, and has
an original charter, (now in the hands of his brother,
Abercromby of Tillibody, in Sterlingshire,) from
King Malcolm III. ; Boetius also testifying that the Abercrombies
came first into Scotland in that Prince's reign. * Their first estate
was Abercromby parish, in Fife ; from which they came afterward
and settled at Westhall, in The Garioch, and at last fixed here.

DuRN, purchased by William Dunbar, (son to

Dunbar, of Grangehill, in Murray,) whose son now enjoys it.
Glassaugh, the seat of Abercromby of Glassaugh.

DESKFORD.

ESKFORD, (dedicated to Saint John,) formerly
a chappel in Fordyce parish, was made a parish
church, ........

Chappels. OuR Lady OF Pity's at Skieth, whose
wooden image, kept here, ....

' [" S. Tarkinus, episcopus, ut existimo, Sodorensis, Soluathio Rcgi pietate et morum

continentia gratissimus fuit Floruit anno dccclxxxix. Colitur die xxx Octo-

bris. Breviarium Scoticum. In Lismore requiescit. Catalogus Dunkeldensis Bibliothe-
cae." (T. Dempster! Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. ii., p. 611). " Sanctus
Tarkinus, Episcopus et Confessor, Celebris habetur in Aberdonensi dioecesi, vnde non procul
.\berdonia insignem ecclesiam Sancto Tarkino dicatam cernere est." (D. Camerarii de
Scotorvm Fortitvdine, p. 200.)]

• Boetius in Malcolmo III. [Scot. Hist., lib. xii., f. 236.]

PRESBYTERY OF FORDYCE—ORDIQUHILL,— BANFF. 645

ORDEWHILL.

%7;a-<RDEWHILL, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin
Mary, formerly a chappel in Fordyce parish, was
^ made a parish church A.D. m.dc.xxviii.

Park. Mannor.

BANF.

ANF churcli was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin

Mary.'

Inchdruir, the seat of the Lord Banf. The Manners

first of this family was Walter Ogilvy of Dun-
ugus, (who, under King James IV., married

Alison one of the heiresses of Sir Patrick Hume

of Fastcastle,) son to Sir Walter Ogilvy of
Boyn, by Margaret Edmiston, the heiress thereof. The fifth from
which in descent was Sir Walter Ogilvy of Dunlugus ; whose son.
Sir George, was created Lord Banf, A.D. m.dc.xlii. This first
Lord Banf lived one hundred and five years, and continued fresh

and ruddy to the last. By [Mary] daughter to Lord

Duffus, he had George ; [who, by Agnes, daughter to Alexander
Lord Halkerton, had George] who, (by [Jean] daughter to William
Earl Marishal,) had George ; who, by Helen, daughter to Lauder
of Fountainhall, had [John George] the present Lord Banf.

This lord's arms are those of Ogilvy quartered with the coat

' [" S. Bet virgo, sub Donaldo Rege sanctimonialis habitum a Sodorensi episcopo
induta, religiosam vitam in terris egit, et coelestem in coelis meruit. Claruit anno dcccxvi.
Colitur religiose die i. Novembr. templaque ejus sub invocatione, toto passim regno,
divino cultui non pauca erecta ; praecipuum, ut audio, Banfiae fuit. Breviarium Scoticum.
Acta omnia interierunt." (T. Dempsteri Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Scotorum, t. i., p.
78.)]

4 N

646 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

of Hume of Fastcastle (argent, three papinges, vert) : supporters,
an armed man, proper, and a lyon, gules : crest, a lyon's head,
erased, gules : motto, " Fideliter."

CoLLENARD, (quttsi ColUs Leonardi,) the seat of Josse of Col-
lenard.

BOYNDIE.

OYNDIE church had for tutelar, Saint Bran-
dan, * abbot, whose feast was kept on the six-
teenth of May. He flourished about the year
D.xx., and is called the father of three thousand
monks, in the Brevdary of Aberdeen, which quotes
his Life,' (quoted also by John Fordun,-) and says
he travelled over many strange islands ; that he
christned Saint Machut ; and took him along with him in his
travels. Camerarius^ says he preached over the Orkneys ; that
his father was called Fining ; that his mother, (while with child
of him,) dreamed her lap was full of pure gold ; that Here, the
Bishop, explained the dream, and christned and bred this saint.
In Aberdeen diocese this collect was used for his day : " Omni-
potens sempiterne Deus sanctissimum tuum nomen inuocantes fa-
mulis tuis propicius miserere et intercedente beato Brandano con-
fessore tuo atque abbate in bonis actibus super nos tuam miseri-
cordiam confirma . Per Dominum • " ^ Camerarius, after giving an
account of this saint, quotes Fasciculus Temporum, Lignum Vitae,

* See the confirmation charter of the collegiate church of CuUen by Archbishop Hamilton.

' [" Brandanus a Christo nato triginta duobus et quingentis reuolutis annis apud Scotos
floruit : vir magne abstinencie et virtutibus clarus trium ferme millium monachorum pater
per hec tempora ob eximiam suam sanctitatem atque doctrinam maximo in precio habitus
est / de quo in libello de ipsius vita quedam miranda scribuntur." (Breuiarium Aberdonense,
prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali. f., Ixxxxix.J]

2 [Scotichronicon, lib. i., capp. ix., xv., xviii. ; vol. i., pp. 11, 15, 17. edit. 1759.]

3 [De Fortitvdine Scotorvm, pp. 144, 145.]

■• [Breuiarium Aberdonense, prop. Sanct. pro temp, hyemali, f. Ixxxxix.]

PRESBYTERY OF FORDYCE— CULLEN OF BOYNE. 647

Petrus de Natalibus, and the Chronicle of Scone ; but adds, ther
was, (on this same day,) another Saint Brandan, abbot of Culross,
for which be quotes the Scotish Breviary. In King's Calendar,
ther is mentioned, on the sixteenth of May, one Saint Brandan,
abbot and confessor, under King Malcolm III., about A.D. m.lxvi.

Craig of Boyne, an old ruined castle on a rock, on the edge Mannors.
of the sea, formerly the seat of the Edmistons, thanes of Boyne.
Under King James III., Sir Walter, (second son to Sir Walter
Ogilvy of Lintrethan in Angus, now represented by the Earl of
Airly,) married Margaret, second daughter and coheiress to Sir
James Edmiston of That Ilk ; and on this occasion purchased the
thanedom of Boyne.

Boyne, of late the seat of the Ogilvies of Boyne ; but now pur-
chased, with that estate, by the present Earl of Finlater.

Raggel, the seat of Ogilvy of Raggel, descended of those of
Boyne.

CULLEN.

ULLEN church was dedicated to the Blessed
Virgin Mary.

Finlater, an old castle, which Bishop Leslie Mannor.
mentions as impregnable, now ruinous. It stands
on a rock, on the edge of the sea ; and some of the
walls yet stand. It belonged formerly to the Sin-
clairs of Finlater, and now to the Earl of Finlater.
The first of this family was Sir Walter Ogilvy, (son to Sir Wal-
ter, now represented by the Earl of Airly, by Elizabeth Glen,
heiress of Inchmartin, in The Carse of Gowry,) who, under King
James I., married the heiress of Sinclair of Deskford ; by whom he
had Sir James Ogilvy of Deskford, and Sir Walter Ogilvy of Boyne.
Sir Walter, the representative of this Sir James, was, in A.D.
M.DC.xvi., created Lord Deskford, as the same Sir Walter's son,
James, was, in A.D. m.dc.xxxviii., created Earl of Finlater.

648

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

This present Earl's daughter and heiress, Mary, being married to
Patrick Ogilvy of Inchmartin, that gentleman obtained the title, as
well as the estate, of Earl of Finlater, and his grandson, James, is
now the fourth Earl.

RATHVEN.

ATHVEN hath for its tutelar Saint Peter the
Apostle. The laird of Ranis is patron. It is a
good church, with a square steeple, and an isle
®? for the Hays of Ranis. It has also two silver
'^ chalices, gifted by that family.
'"' Hospital. At the church, ther is an Hospital for
'^i^^S'^Sr^" six poor men, to whom Hay of Ranis gives a govni
yearly,
chappei. The Blessed Virgin Mary's, at Faskin.

Manners. BucKiE, the Seat of Gordon of Buckie, descended of the Lord

Gordon's house, before the Setons were grafted on it.

Letterfurie, the seat of Gordon of Letterfurie, the first of
which family was James, (fourth son to George, second Earl of
Huntley, by Jane, daughter to King James I.,) Admiral of Scot-
land, under King James IV.*

Clystirim, belonging to Gordon of Clystirim.
Liechieston, belonging to Gordon of Clystirim.
Presholm, by some called Priests-home, has been, for some time,
the seat of a Roman catholick priest, who officiates in this country.
Ranis, the seat of Hay of Ranis, the first of which family was
descended of the Lord Yester ; and, after having been a Roman
catholick priest, becoming a protestant minister at the reforma-
tion, was made parson of Rathven.

• Sir James Balfour's Genealogy of the Nobility of Scotland, MS., in the King's Col-
lege. [" An Genealogicall Accompt of Severall Dukes, Marquesses, and Earles of Scot-
land, with their respective marriages and children. Collected by Sir James Balfour of
Denmill, Lord Lyon King at Arms," p. 70.] Crawford's Peerage.

PRESBYTERY OF FORCYCE— MURTHLAC.

649

Craighead, hard by CuUen, though now ruinous, was for-
merly the seat of the chief family of the name of Duff, which is
just now the richest and most thriving unnobilitated family in the
north of Scotland, and reckons Duff of Brakoe, in Grange parish,
as its chief

Aradoul, the seat of Anderson of Aradoul.

MURTHLACK.

URTHLACK church, dedicated to Saint Mo-
loch,* is situated pleasantly on DuUan, just
where it is going to fall into Fiddich.

This parish, bounded on the south with The
Cabrach, and everywhere else with Murray
diocese, is of a fruitful soil, and rendred very
pleasant with two clear little rivers which rise
here, and run through it, and are shaded all along with birch,
alder, and hazle : Fiddich, about ten miles long, which runs
through Glenfiddich forest into Spey ; and Dullan, four miles
long, which joins Fiddich.

at Farkbeg.

As one goes down along Fiddich, he will find these manners :
AucHiNDOWN, a ruinous castle. ,,

' Mannors.

Keithmore, in the last age the seat of Duff of Keithmore,
whose three sons obtained the three estates of Brakoe, Dippil, and
Craigston.

Balvanie, (in Irish, Bal-beni-mor, The House of Saint
Beyne the Great, the first Bishop of Murthlack,) the old castle of
which, (though rebuilt by the Stewarts, Earls of Athol, Lords of
Balvenie,) having been built, ('tis said,) by the Danes, has a large
parlour in it, yet called The Danes Hall. But now, hard by it, is
a fine new house, built by William Duff of Brako, (in Grange

Chappel.

• Boetius in Malcolmo II. [Scot. Hist., lib. xi., f. 242.]

650 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

parish,) just now reckoned the richest landed man benorth Forth, as
having about seven thousand pounds sterling yearly.

TULLICH.

KiNNiNVY, formerly the seat of the Lesleys of Kinninvy.
Besides this is Edinglassy, burgh of baronry, (bordering on
Glass parish,) with a tolbooth and yearly fair.

Since A.D. m.dc.lxxxviii., the presbyterians have pretended
to disjoin Murthlack from this Diocese, and annex it to that of
Murray ; and, instead of it, to add Inverkeithny to this Diocese,
though belonging to Murray.' They have farther annexed to this

' [This arrangement did not receive the final sanction of the general assembly of the
kirk until the year 1706, when the following act was passed: "9th April 1706 post
meridiem sess. 6th. The committee for the north to whom it was referred upon Fryday
last to consider the petition of the commissioners from the presbytery of Strathbogie, re-
ported that they haveing heard and considered the said petition and haveing also heard the
commissioners from the synod of Aberdeen and the commissioners from Strathbogie dis-
course at some length thereanent, they gave it as their opinion that the paroch of Mort-
clith upon severall important and weighty accounts should be annexed to Strathbogie, and
that Innerkeithnie continue as it is with the presbytery of Turreif: Which report being
heard and considered by the assembly and they haveing also heard read in their presence
the instructions from the synod of Aberdeen to their representatives in reference to this
affair, and haveing again fully heard both parties, they were removed : Then the general
assembly haveing fully reasoned and maturely considered this affair they approved of the
forsaid report, and according thereto, they did and hereby do disannex and disjoyn the
forsaid paroch of Mortclith from the presbytery of Fordyce and synod of Aberdeen, and
did by their votes and hereby do nemine contradiceute unite and annex the samen to the
presbytery of Strathbogie and synod of Murray in all time comeing, and do appoint and
ordain Mr. Hugh Innes present minister thereat and his successors to meet and act in
conjunction with the said presbytery of Strathbogie and synod of Murray in their judi-
catories as a constituent member of the samen, and do leave the paroch of Innerkeithnie
to the presbytery of Turreff as formerly : Whereupon Mr. Charles Primrose minister at
Bellie asked and took instruments in the clerk's hands." (MS. Acts of General Assem-
bly.)]

PARISHES ANNEXED— DURRIS.—STRACHAN.

661

Diocese, Durris, (in Saint Andrew's diocese,) and Strachan, (in
Brechin diocese).

Now, though all these alterations be in themselves null, yet, be-
cause they have been made out of regard to the situation of these
parishes, (which makes them fitter to be joined to this, than to any
other Diocese,) I shall therefor ofi'er at some account of these
parishes thus iuvalidly annexed, since it is very possible the Bishops
may hereafter, for conveniencies sake, authorize and agree on such an-
nexations, disallowing only of the alienation of Murthlack from this
Bishoprick, as being the very original seat where it was founded.

Three parishes annexed to Aberdeen Diocese by the presby-
terians: the first, to Aberdeen presbytery; the second, to
Kincardin presbytery ; and the third, to that of Turriff.

DURRIS.

URRIS church has two silver chalices, and one
silver patten, gifted by Mr. Fraser, late school-
master there.

DURRIS Manner.

STRACHAN.

TRACHAN lyes on Dee, over against Upper
Banchory, in the shire of Kincardin, and is for
most part mountanous ; but, ther being here a
^, little plain on a rivulet, A win, (which here join-
% ing Feuch, a very strong rivulet, falls soon after
into Dee,) the parish is named from it, and was of
old writ Strathachin. This parish also gave

652

VIEW. OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

name to the Strachans, (who of old wrote their name Strathachin,)
though now they are much wore out here ; and Glenkindy in Kil-
drummv be chief.

INVERKEITHNY, FORMERLY CONVETH.

NVERKEITHNY was formerly called CoN-

Chappei. Saint Peter's.

4 )

List of Books used and quoted in this Collection, whether
printed, or manuscript.

Printed Books.

The Breviary of Aberdeen, for the winter and spring quarter, supposed
to be the work of Bishop Elphinston, and as such to be mentioned by Boetius :
Sanctorum gesta quibiui phcrimum apud nos parochiales ecclesiae dicanhir inultis
locis quaesita in vnum collegit, optis diutius qxuim par erat neglectum : quae vt
quotannis sanctorum solennihus sacris recitarentur obtinuit. Nam Angli quo
tempore maiorem nostrae regionis partem occuparunt, sanctorum gesta (qui apud
nos claruere) data memoriae, libros et historiarum et quorum in sacris erat vsus,
cremarunt omncs : illorum loco suis ritualibus sacrorumque codicibus adhibitis vt
nihil non Anglicanum inter nos laude dignum deinceps inueniretur. * This
copy, belonging to the library of Arbuthnot church, is but one half of that work,
(which is preserved entire in the Scotish College at Paris : the copy there, in two
volumes, bears that it was printed at Edinburgh, February 1508-9, at the charges
of Walter Chapman, an Edinburgh merchant,!) and wants both the first and last
page. The late reverend Mr. Patrick Dunbreck had another copy of the same
volume. 'Tis an octavo, of a Gothic letter, and bound in wood. After the direc-
tory for the service, the service itself has this title written over it : In nomine
Sarwte et Indiuidue Trinitatis Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti • Breuiarium ad
vsum et consuetudinem percelebris ecclesie cathedralis Aberdonensis in Scocia ■
regnante principe • nostro serenissimo lacobo quarto diuina fauente dementia
Scotorum Rege illustrissimo imperii sui anno vicesimo secundo (that is 1509) •
pro hyemali parte feliciter sumit exordium • '

* Aberdonenslvro Episcoporvin Vitae, fo!. ssxi.
t Mr. Thomas Innes letter to Mr, Ker.

1 [This copy of the Aberdeen Breviary is now in the library of The King's College at Aberdeen, to which it
' was presented in the year 1785, by Mr. Robert Young, minister at Benbolm. The ordo breuiarii is awanting,

4 o

054 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

Hector Boeis's Lives of the Bishops of Aberdeen. Episcoporum Murth-
lacensium et Aberdonensimn . per Hectorem Boetium . Vitae . Prelo Ascensiano
. M . D . XXII . 'Tis a quarto, printed at Paris, (before his History of Scot-
land,) and dedicated to Bishop Gawin Dunbar. The epistle dedicatory is dated
Ex tuo collegia Aberdonensi Pridie Calendas Septembris Anno supra sesquimil-
lesimum vicesimo prima. This copy is Dr. George G[arden]'s ; but ther is just
such another in The King's College library.

His History of Scotland, in nineteen books, (with the Supplement of John
Ferrerius,) being the second edition of that work, printed at Paris, 1574.' Scot-
orvm Histariae a Prima Genlis Origine, cvm aliarvm et rervm et gentivm illvstra-
tiane nan vulgaris Libri XIX. Hectare Boethio Deidonano auctore. Duo postremi
huius Histariae libri nunc primum em,itt,untur in lucem. Accessit Sf huic editioni
eiusdem Scatorum Histariae continuatio, per loannem Ferrerium Pedemontanum,
recens 4' ipsa scripta Sf edita. Parisiis, 1574. fol.

Camerarius, (or Chambres,) of the Saints of Scotland. De Statu
Hominis veteris simul et novae Ecclesiae et de Sanctis Regni Scotiae. Auctore
Davide Camerario presbytero Scato. 'Tis a quarto, printed at Chalons, aptid
.Jacobum Thevenym, 1627, and dedicated to Pope Urban VIII. 'Tis in The King's
College library.

Dempster's Ecclesiastic History of Scotland. [Historia Ecclesiastica
Gentis Scotorvm Lib. xix. etc. Auctore Thoma Dempstero Scoto. I. C. Baron, de
Muresck. Eq. Aur. Bonon. Prof, eminente, et in Academia Noctis Euantio. Supe-
riorum permissu Bononiae typis Nicolai Thebaldini, 1627. 4to.]

Archbishop Spotswood's History of the Church of Scotland.

Crawfurd's Peerage. Edinburgh, fol. 1716.

Nisbet's Heraldry". Edinburgh, fol. 1722.

but is partially supplied in manuscript of a recent date. The first folio of the Proprinm de tempore bye-
mali, also defective, has been supplied in a much older hand : folio cxxxviii. of this part is also wanting. The
Proprium de tempore hyemali ends on fol. cxliiii. The Psalter follows, beginning a new series of folios, of
which, in this copy, flf, Ivii. — Ixiv. inclusive are wanting. The Litany, Vigilie Mortuorum, Commune
Sanctorum, Seruicium Beate Marie Virginis, Dedicacio ecclesie, and Commemoracio Sancti Andree, follow
the Psalter, but in the same series of folios, which ends with f. cx^xii. ; *' tinit commune sanctorum cum
coromemoracione Beate Marie Virginis per tolum annum vnaeum dedicacione ecclesie." This is followed by
the Proprium Sanctorum pro tempore hycmali, beginning a third series of folios, of which this imperfect copy
has only cii., ending in tbe beginning of the office for the feast of Saint Columba.]

1 [Though published at Paris, the work, as appears from the colophon, was printed at Lausanne. Some
copies bear the date of 1575.]

LIST OF BOOKS USED AND QUOTED. 655

Manuscripts.

Registrum Chartartm, all relating to the church of Aberdeen etc., in the
hand of George Leslie late of Eden, now of Tyrie, and by him gifted to The
King's College, 1727. So 'tis called in the Index, (drawn up, but not compleat, by
Mr. Alexander Galloway,* parson of Kinkell, whose anniversary is here marked
October the sixth ; and 'tis obsei'ved that he d3'ed 1552: this is done in another
hand,) having no title page. 'Tis a fair little folio in vellum, writen in a large
character, till towards the end, that the ink is worse, and the letter smaller. It
contains, first, a Calendar of the Anniversaries observed in the Cathedral of Aber-
deen for their several benefactors ; and has, also, an account of several endowments
made to it for this purpose, also the Foundation of Bishop Dunbar's Hospital, etc.

Bagimont'^s Roll.

Valuation of all the Parishes in Aberdeenshire, as made under King
Charles I. and King Charles II. ; but very little to be depended on, having been
done partially.

The Epistolare op Aberdeen. Epistolare de tempore et dc Sanctis ad
Cathedralis ecclesiae Aberdonensis usum. Reverendits in Cliristo pater ac do-
minus, Dominus Gavinus Dunbar me fieri fecit, Antverpiae. 'Tis a fair folio
of vellum, written in a large character, L527. 'Twas recovered at Edinburgh in
the year 1684, and now is kept in The King's College library.

The Isventary of the Je^vels of the Cathedral. Inventarium Jocalium
Ecclesiae cathedralis Aberdonensis. 'Tis a fair quarto of vellum, written in a
large character, 1549 ; and was given by Bishop Scougal to The King's College,
and preserved in that library ever since. It was drawn up, as the title bears, by
Alexander Galloway, chanon there, and prebendary of Kinkell, at the speeiall
desire of the chapter, at the chanonry of Aberdeen, January the thirteenth
. . . . after the ransoming of the said Jewells, (or church ornaments,) from
James Forbes of Corsinda, who in 1544, (quhen Bishop Stuart, because of the
English war then raging, had sent them all to the country, except six chalices for
daily use,) fell upon the servants who were transporting them and carried them
all oflP, and never returned them till they were ransomed by that prelate for six
hundred merks. Over against the title page, on a leaf by itself, is : azure, a lyon

* His parents were William Galloway and Marjory Mortimer, whose anniversary was March the seventh.
See page 40.

656 VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

erect argent, crowned or ; (round about the shield is : Mr. A. G. ; and beneath it is
the motto, 3Iemorare,) the same being the coat worn by Fergus Lord of Galloway
under King Malcolm III.

Some private manuscripts written by Mr. Thomas Orem, a very inquisitive
antiquary in Old Aberdeen.

The Chartolakt of Aberdeen, a fair folio of vellum, containing the Con-
stitutions of the Bishops of Aberdeen, (beginning with Bishop Ramsay) ; charters
and gifts of popes. Kings, and nobility etc. ; boundaries of lands etc., (written ge-
nerally in English,) and ending with the charter of Bishop William Gordon,
creating the Earl of Huntley, heiritable bailie of this See, (this charter is imper-
fect) ; all writ with different characters, and different ink. After the Constitutions
and some annexed charters, (about the middle of the book,) 'tis said exculptae sunt

hae constitutiones ex antiquioribus ecclesiae Aberdonensis registris per

me Willelmum Scevan, Carmelitanum Aberdonensem, jussu, tnandato et sump-
tibus venerabilis viri, Magistri Alexmidri Galloway, canonici Aberdonensis.
Among other anniversaries in the Registrum Chartarum are remarked those
of King James IV., September the ninth ; King James V., August the fif-
teenth ; John Stuart, Earl of Mar, (who dyed 1490,) July the ninth ; Sir David
Lindsay, Earl of Crawford, (who dyed 1445,) January the sixteenth. Most of the
rest are of clergymen of Aberdeen diocese.

The Missal of Arbuthnot, a fair folio of vellum, in the hands of John
Viscount of Arbuthnot, written 1491. The title is : Ecclesiae de Arbuthnot
Liber Sancti Terrenani ; and the date ^.Z). 1491, Februarii il", Indictione
prima, pontijicattis sanctissimi in Christo patris et domini nostri Innocentij,
providentia divina VIII', anno &", apud ecclesiam de Arbuthnot in laxidem et
honorem bealissimi confessoris Terrenani archipraesulis gloriosissimi, dictae ec-
clesiae patroni, hoc praesens Missale per manum Jacobi Sybalde scriptum et
completum, favente Dei gratia, finit feliciter. About the middle of the book
are found these verses relating to the donor :

Altari summo Ternani praesulis almi
Praesens Missale devoti contribuere
Robertus Damdes Arbuthnot vir recolendus
Ast simul Jacobus Sybbalde vicarius Arbuth.

This Robert Arbuthnot of That Ilk was the same person who gave a Psalter, in
1506, to the Virgin Mary's Chappel ; which chappel, as that book shews, he had
founded.

Index to the Parishes described in this View of the
Diocese of Aberdeen.

a Aberdeen (Old), page 231.
Aberdeen (New), p. 241.
Aboyne and Glentaner, p. 633.
Aberdaur, p. 442.
Alford, p. 587.
Auchindore, p. 613.
Auchterless, p. 505.

b Balhelvey, p. 285.
Balthelny, p. 558.
Banf, p. 645.

Banchory (Upper), p. 637.
Banchory (Nether), p. 264.
Boyndie, p. 646.
Brass, p. 634.
Braeraar. See Crathie.
Bourtie, p. 563.

c Cabrach, p. 615.

Chappel of The Gariocb, p. 526.

Clatt, p. 620.

Cluny, p. 637.

Colstan. See Logy Colstane.

Cowl, p. 633.

Crathie and Braemar, p. 641.

Crimond, p. 423.

Cruden, p. 374.

CuUen, p. 647.

Culsamond, p. 556.

Cushney, p. 593.

d Daviot, p. 580.
Deer (Old), p. 397.

d Deer (New), page 405.
Deskford, p. 644.
Drumblait, p. 475.
Dulmaok, p. 274.
Durris, p. 651.
Dyee, p. 244.

e Echt, p. 636.
Ellon, p. 301.

f Fergus (Saint), p. 419.
Fintray, p. 245.
Forbes and Keirn, p. 608.
Fordyce, p. 644.
Forglen, p. 508.
Forgue, p. 519.
Foveran, p. 364.
Frasersburgh, p. 431.
Futtie, p. 243.
Fyvie, p. 493.

g Ghamry, p. 488.
Glenbucket, p. 613.
Glengarden. See Glenmuick.
Glenmuick, p. 639.
Glentaner. See Aboyn.

i Inch, p. 552.

Inverkeithny, p. 652.
Inverurie, p. 582.

k Keig, p. 619.

Keirn. See Forbes.

658

VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEEN.

k Kemnay, page 584.
Kildrummy, p. 589-
Kinellar, p. 252.
King Edward, p. 480.
Kinernie, p. 636.
Kinethmont, p. 622.
Kinkardine, p. 6.31.
Kinkell, p. 571.
Kintore, p. 249.

1 Leochel, p. 597.
Leslie, p. 545.
Logy-Bucban, p. 361.
Logy-Durno. See Cliappel of

The Garioch.
Logy-Colstaiie, p. 632.
Longmay, p. 429.
Lonside, p. 411.
Liimfanan, p. 635.

in Machar, Old. See Aberdeen,
(Old).
Machar, New, p. 235.
Mary-Culter, p. 300.
Methlick, p. 320.
Midraar, p. 635.
Migvie. See Tarlan.
Monimusk, p. 584
Monkeigie, p. 569.
Monwbiter, p. 473.
Murthlack, p. 649.

n Newhills, page 237.
Nig, p. 252.

o Ordewhill, p. 645.
Oyn, p. 579.

p Peter-Culter, p. 291.
Peter Head, p. 414.
Premna, p. 550.
Pitsligo, p. 435.

r Ratbin, p. 451.
Rathven, p. 648.
Rayn, p. 577.

s Skene, p. 279.
Slains, p. 387.
Stracban, p. 651.
Strathdon, p. 616.
Strecbin, p. 409.

t Tarlan and Migvie, p. 632.
Tarves, p. 329.
Touch, p. 595.
Towie, p. 611.
Tullich. See Glenmuick.
TuUinessel, p. 628.
TurrifiF, p. 460.

Tyrie, p. 449.
u Udny, p. 357.

THE END OF A VIEW OF THE DIOCESE OF ABERDEE.N.

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Full text of "Collections for a history of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff. [vol. 2-5. Illustrations of the topography and antiquities of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff"

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